One of the math teachers at the high school I attended was feared by the students. When classes were assigned, those who got Mr. G for math groaned with dread because of the rumors they’d heard about his stern teaching methods and willingness to give out failing grades. Fortunately, he only taught the advanced math classes so many students were able to avoid him altogether.

I liked math though and excelled at it, so I was destined to encounter Mr. G. I remember my first few classes with him. I was very nervous.

But I quickly learned the truth. He was just a very good teacher who expected his students to listen, to work hard, and to learn. He didn’t give out participation awards. If you got an A, it was because you earned it. And if you got an F, which he had no qualms about issuing, you had earned that too. But for those struggling students, he made time, staying after school or even coming in on weekends, to work with them individually until they understood the concepts thoroughly. The wise students accepted his help. The fools stayed home.

Because of his dedication and consistent, high standards, students in his classes had great success in school and in their lives. Many returned to thank him years after they had graduated.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭7,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Mr. G taught me the value of working hard to achieve high standards. And he taught me the value of someone willing to hold me to those high standards.

God has the highest standards of all. Because of that He is to be feared. Failing to meet God’s standards earns death, not just an F. I would be wise to pay attention to those standards.

Fortunately, God is even more dedicated than Mr. G to those of us (all of us) who struggle to make a passing grade. God sent His Son to tutor us, to remind us of our lessons, and ultimately to take the test for us if we let Him.

It would be wise to study hard but let Jesus take the test.

Dear God, thank you for the example of wise people you have placed in my life to learn from. Thank you also for your truth and holy standards. Thank you most of all for giving me a way to meet your standards through Jesus. Teach me to be wise and sit humbly at your feet to listen and learn.