... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live," says the Lord, "every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10b-12

A "misguided" measure and "counterproductive" -- that's what Chris Harris, head teacher at Larkmead School in Abingdon, England, called the "Year 11 Target Board."

It seems the eleventh-grade students are required to pass a General Certificate of Secondary Education exam. Thirty students from the school hadn't managed to pass the practice test. As a result, those students had their pictures put on the board for all to see.

The outcry against the practice was pretty strong.

Some students felt embarrassed. Others said they were ashamed to go back to school. One mother said, "This could be seen as bullying people to get higher grades. The school should be ashamed."

Harris commented, "It was done out of a desire to support and help them (the students), not a desire to humiliate them."

Although there are pros and cons to both sides, I'm not sure I'd like to see my picture posted that way (and it probably would have been.)

On the other hand, there is no argument about what will happen on Judgment Day. On the day when Jesus comes back to claim His own, Scripture says, "Each of us will give an account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).

Those who have been rescued by the Redeemer will have an opportunity to share how their lives were changed by the faith they had been given. Those who refused the salvation that was purchased through Jesus' life, death and resurrection will give an accounting of their decisions.

Will the accounting be an embarrassing moment?

"Embarrassing" is probably the wrong word to use. For those who are lost it will be frightening; for those who are saved it will be a time to say, "Thanks!"

We will say thanks because our salvation, our lives, all that we are, the eternity in heaven we will be given ... are ours purely because of Jesus.

To Him, then, all glory and honor should be given.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have told me my day of accounting is coming. Because of Jesus I will be prepared. For all He has done, for the changes He has brought about in my life -- both here and in eternity -- I praise You. In the Savior's Name, accept my praise. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 28-30    Luke 1:21-38

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