FJWL_01:348
         First is first and second is second, and these two are not the same. Gold is gold, silver is silver, and bronze is bronze. Each place, first, second and third, wins a prize. Yet are not gold, silver and bronze different in value? Is not gold far more precious than silver or bronze? All are winners and all gain a prize, but they vary in value. Only one is best. A blue ribbon is a blue ribbon and a red ribbon is a red ribbon--different in color to signify that one is first and the other is second. The blue is first for greater achievement, greater performance, worthy of greater reward.
         Those who choose second best within My will do not fail the course. I am as a teacher and you are as My students. When you sit down to take My exam, you have but to gain a passing grade to pass the course. There is a percentage, a range of allotted scores that deem you eligible to pass the course and move on to the next grade. Whether you receive an A plus, or a B minus, or even a C, or as low as a D, you still pass the course. Yet does not the student who passes with an A plus receive more honor than the student who passes with a D? Do his future opportunities not look brighter due to his high scores? Is this student not eligible for a scholarship?
         I give honor to whom honor is due. I honor the student who studies well, who applies himself, and who puts his all into the course.



Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family