What is going on in your life? Will it result in a good report?
Deportment, behavior and conduct are graded at the end of the school term. Have you ever received an "E" for excellent on your report card? Has it been less than that? Of course we all like very much to receive a good report.
To get a good report at the end of the Christian pathway just one special thing is necessary. It is faith. Paul could say in the most adverse circumstances, "I believe God." That is faith. (See Acts 27:2525Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. (Acts 27:25).) Through faith "the elders obtained a good report." Heb. 11:22For by it the elders obtained a good report. (Hebrews 11:2).
The standard upon which we as Christians are graded is perfection. This is because we "are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26). Therefore, we are supposed to be in our conduct and behavior what we are as sons of God. This is where faith must come in, in our daily lives. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]." Heb. 11:66But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). In our behavior, true faith will be manifest by dependence upon God and obedience to Him.
In Paul's first epistle to Timothy he gave him instruction to know how to behave "in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 1 Tim. 3:1515But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15). This instruction for behavior is still true for us today, and more instruction is added in the second epistle for these last days. In 2 Tim. 3:16-1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17) it says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Our time of schooling is this whole life. We are
producing our report now. The Christian's retirement is "out of this world" literally when the Lord Jesus comes for us.