Meeting the Requirements

It’s that time of year to celebrate with graduates.  The work is complete, requirements have been met, and ceremonies to recognize those achievements are taking place.  Two very special boys, our grandson and great-nephew, graduated pre-school this year.  Because they meet the age requirement, they will begin their public school careers as they enter kindergarten in the Fall of 2016.  

Grandson, David

 Great-nephew, Eli

There have also been recognitions for students completing kindergarten, 5th grade, junior high, and high school.  This year, four of my cousins have children who are graduating high school and entering the halls of higher education.  At church, there are seniors graduating whose parent(s) were in the youth group when Larry was Minister to Students.  How rewarding and blessed to know generations of families and celebrate with them.  Still other graduates are celebrating the completion of technical schools, college, law school, medical school…  In order to earn their degrees, they have completed the requirements for their course of study.

Friday night, we had the privilege of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony for Kirby Rogers.  This is something Kirby has wanted to achieve since he was in 1st grade.  Kirby has worked for years to complete the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout.  Some badges were earned in a weekend, while others took several months to complete.  Kirby was also responsible for a service project.  Once he decided on his project, Kirby had to meet with leaders to make application and receive permission all while making sure that all requirements were addressed and completed.  Kirby’s project, at the Ballard House in Katy, also required leadership skills as he included the participation of members of his Troop and the community.  Besides Scouts and school, Kirby is also an active member of our church youth group participating in Bible studies, worship, youth choir, mission trips, and being a greeter.

Kirby with Scoutmaster

 

Kirby with Parents, Tracy and Laura 

 Kirby with Scout Masters

God also gives us guidelines and requirements for what he expects of His children.  Malachi 6:8 reminds us that, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”  In the New Testament, in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus stated that we are to: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”  Meeting those requirements will make a difference in our world.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

I Corinthians 15:58

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:4