Reaching for Exemplary Status

T-minus seven school days until the accreditation team arrives at my school, and things are ramping up. A dust cloth is in my to-do stack for when the time gets a little closer, and I’ve been asked to take a second look at my classroom, to make sure everything is ship-shape.

A re-accreditation visit is a normal part of school life, but this year we are seeking something new: exemplary status.

From the deep, nerdy crevices of my soul, a longing arises and my hand shoots up. Me! Me! I want to be a part of that!

I want the observing team to visit my classroom and say, “How could we not give this school exemplary status? Look at what is happening in here!”

Exemplary: serving as a model; representing the best of its kind.

Funny this accreditation event should land at the same time I’m wrapping up edits on the 1 Peter study I’ve been writing over the last four months. Infused in 1 Peter is this thought: judgment.

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.  (1 Peter 1:17 NIV)

Yesterday I saw a volunteer parent at my school, washing the walls. Because that’s what you do when someone is coming to judge even to the nooks and crannies of your operation.

…Be holy in all you do…  (1 Peter 1:15)

You make sure the blinds are hanging evenly and that no ragged posters are limping from the walls of the classrooms.

…turn away from evil and do good… (1 Peter 1:11)

The day is on the calendar. T-minus we don’t know how long. But the Father will come and look at our work.

Right now all I can think about is exemplary status and how I want to qualify for that when the Lord takes a look at what I’ve been doing with my days on this earth. I pray my life as a servant of Christ will serve as a model and be one of the best of its kind.

How is your conduct? Ready for inspection?