Column by Pamela Heckinger Success lies in a changed heart and a strengthened mind

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Columns | Send mail to The Voice Student looks beyond GPA What tribe was Moses from? I stared at the question, realizing I should know the answer. Ephraim? No. Benjamin? No. I scribbled "Judah" and turned in my completed quiz. "Why didn't I study more last night?" I asked myself, ignoring the beginning of Dr. Christiansen's lecture on Joshua. After a depressing grade report last spring, I had vowed to work harder this year. I promised myself I would cut back on socializing, I would listen more closely and I would study harder. I never had difficulty getting good grades during my first two years of college. But when I came to Multnomah, even though I worked harder, my grade point average plummeted. When I looked at my quiz, I winced at my score. Sixty percent. Ouch. What happened to the straight-A student I used to be? After class I continued thinking about my grades. Why had I come to Multnomah? Did I want to impress people with my Bible knowledge? Did I want to add strength to my resume? Did I want to impress God with my dedication? No. Then I realized something incredibly freeing: A perfect GPA is not the true mark of personal success. Success lies in a changed heart and a strengthened mind. I may not have my life all together. I may not achieve a 4.0 or hand in error-free papers. But I have a new priority when I sit down to study each evening. I want to know God and His Word. I've found this more important than a grade report full of gold stars. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Columns | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2001 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.