Perhaps you have heard of a practice in schools called social promotion. It is a practice of moving students along regardless of whether they do well or not in their studies. Even if a child fails, schools that practice social promotion promote the student to the next grade.
I believe the motivation behind the practice of social promotion is the idea that holding a child back would bruise their self-esteem. I’m pretty sure it’s been proven that it doesn’t work. No surprise there.
What happens to their self-esteem (not a biblical concept by the way) when they get into the work force (if they do) and lack the basic life skills to keep a job?
Anyway, none of that is my point today, but it helps me make my point.
Here’s my point: God does not practice social promotion.
His plan is much more effective in preparing His children for a holy, blameless life — that is — to be like Jesus. His plan is progressive sanctification.
God is in the process of growing each of His children in the image of His Son. He is committed to the conforming process – in fact, He promises it.
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
I wonder if I’m not alone. Do you find that when you fail God’s test, that somehow He circles around again and again until you get it?
Do not despair for “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
Written By Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and provides ministry support from her home in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
