For a long time, I have considered it would be more sensible for those who are “educationally challenged”, that is, those having difficulty passing exams, to be allowed to leave school earlier and be employed as an apprentice or similar thus enabling them, hopefully, to enjoy paid employment rather than attending school.
I suppose my reasoning is based on my experience of school and exams. When entrance to a grammar school was via an 11+ exam, I failed, but because of my age, I was encouraged to remain at the school for another year, and on the second attempt, I passed. I found senior school lessons mostly interesting, but the tests/exams at the end of each year were very challenging. On reflection, I realised that more effort on homework may have helped. When I started work, I was encouraged to study for the Institute exams, but once again I struggled, especially with one subject that seemed to have no relevance to my employment.
How grateful I am that my relationship with my creator God and entrance to heaven is not based on an examination of my knowledge of scripture. In Ephesians chapter 2 Paul, writing to the Christians in Ephesus, reminds them that (verses 8 and 9) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Two lovely examples of this are seen with the dying thief (Luke 23) and the Philippian jailor (Acts 16). There is, of course, the need for self-examination, but that may be the subject for someone else at another time.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and your free gift of faith that enables us to have a relationship with you. AMEN