(Reflection on Christ's Sufficiency & Human Imperfection)

Teacher, You prepare me.
As an eager pupil, I rush to show You what I know - that I may impress You.
I've heard this story; I know the ending.
Was I correct? Did I pass the test?

Teacher, I have been shown Your example.
When my flesh stumbles, I'm reminded of how to respond.
"Count others more significant than yoursel[f]."
Certainly it won't be easy, but I know that it is good.

Teacher, You have spoken Your Truth.
Anxiety is the absence of trust, so what is peace?
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you."
Therefore, I shouldn't run from, but toward You.

Teacher, You have told me how to hope.
Who to hope in.
How to pray.
How to repent. 
How to choose joy.
How to have faith. 
How to love.
How to live.

Should I share these with You? Is that what You're asking?
Teacher, I'm raising my hand. Pick me! I can answer.

The classroom is loud.
It is full of distractions - children who don't care, children who have passed the test, children with great confidence, children beginning to learn.
Teacher, don't reject me. I am trying to do all that I can.

As I glance around the room, observing the rate at which others are learning, I become discouraged that my efforts are meaningless. 
I'm falling behind, forgotten.
My burdens are troubling. 
I barely have the strength to lift my head, let alone my hand.

...So I lower it. I retract, and my shoulders round as my neck gives way to the weight of my head.

The noisy room grows muffled. 

As it does, I hear a voice clear and calm whisper graciously:

"Finally."

I recognize it, and I respond, "Teacher?"

He kneels by my desk, and holds my hand. 

"[Child], [f]or by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

I lift my eyes. They meet my Savior, and the room is still. I sense that He knows I have nothing worthy to share, so in humility, I offer my life. 

The room fills with a piercing light, as if before I had not noticed that I sat in darkness, and He offers a smile too tender to emulate.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

May 12, 2026



References:
Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
Isaiah 26:3 - "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Ephesians 2:8-10 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
John 16:33 - "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."