This evening the students in my Minister’s Training class will take another exam, but this
particular test is more challenging then those they’ve taken thus far. There are three things
that make this particular exam not only formidable, but surprisingly similar to the trials we
face in life on a daily basis.
First of all this is an ‘Open Book’ test, which gives the students the opportunity to have the
written record in front of them to review and confirm the accuracy of each answer before
they permanently write it down. Imagine if God allowed our ‘Book of Life’ to be opened
for anyone to review and confirm all of the facts of how we’ve lived since we were saved.
Would each chapter reveal shocking secrets that would discredit the image we try to
portray to others? Would there be sections of clear change and transformation from a life
of sin and wrongdoing to a lifestyle that’s pleasing in God’s site? Just how would we
measure up as believers if others had a chance to really see the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth. We can’t change how we lived, but we CAN, moving forward,
change the way we live.
Secondly tonight’s test is a “Timed Exam”. Everyone will begin at 7:00 p.m. sharp and it
ends promptly at 8:30 p.m. If someone arrives late they will not be given the full ninety
minutes to take the exam. If they arrive early, they will not be able to get additional time to
gain an advantage over their peers by starting early. Each of us have been given a set time
on this earth and only God knows how long it will be. This means that we should
maximize EVERY moment we have to do ALL we can to advance His kingdom to our
maximum potential. We should not waste time being unforgiving toward others and
unrepentant about things we’ve done wrong. It’s imperative that we get busy doing His
will because the clock is ticking and time waits for no man.
Finally, there is “No Make-Up Exam” for tonight’s test. This will be the first time that my
students will NOT be given a chance to correct their mistakes and do better the next time
around. They have to make sure that whatever answer they put down is absolutely correct.
They can’t afford to spend unproductive time on one question and leave other’s blank. So
often you and I have ONE time to make a solid impression on the lives of people regarding
who we really are in Christ. We cannot afford to be unready and unprepared to let our
light shine. I learned a long time ago that we are the only bible some people will read
today, so what we do, what we say, how we respond, and where we go will have either a
positive or negative impact on someone’s life. It’s important that we consider the outcome
of what we do before we do it. Some things cannot be undone. Be wise. Be Christlike.
EVERYTHING WE DO MOVING FORWARD WILL BE INTENTIONAL AND DRIVEN WITH
PURPOSE TO REPRESENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE BEST POSSIBLE LIGHT!
NOTHING WILL BE DONE WITH ENERGY LESS THAN OUR BEST AND EFFORT BELOW
OUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL.
OUR SERVICE IS LOCAL, BUT OUR REACH IS GLOBAL – SO WE CANNOT REDUCE OUR
PRESENTATION DOWN TO WHAT’S CONVENIENT, BUT RATHER WE MUST RAISE IT TO
THAT WHICH IS EXPLOSIVE!
Get ready for major change that’s coming systematically, intellectually, purposefully, and
professionally. Nothing we do moving forward will be done haphazardly, sloppily, poorly,
or carnally.
We Are the LIGHT!
Sincerely,
Pastor J.E. Chandler, Sr.
(CEO/Pastor of MLCM)
