If life is a school, will we pass the test?

Dear friend

Mortal life is often summarised by the suggestion that our time in this world is one big test. Some extend the analogy by describing earth life as being like a large school, where there are teachers, rules to follow, where we study, are set tests, practice skills, learn from our mistakes, have final exams and leave as a qualified scholar ... or not.

If this life is a school, it is certainly a tough one at times. Some of the lessons are really hard, the practical applications challenging, and our fellow classmates can be downright troubling; including bullying, belittling, and generally behaving badly. But it seems that difficulties are all part of Creation's curriculum. Consider this counsel from Doctrine and Covenants 101:1-5.

1 Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance—
2 I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;
3 Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.
4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.
5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.

So, to be sanctified (made holy) in this academy of adversity, we must change through chastening and be tractable through trials. This can include affliction, persecution and rejection. By so doing there is the hidden gem of a promise, that the day will come when the Lord will select us as His precious jewels. We will be His, with all that includes - which is everything the Father has.

That prospect is certainly a prize-giving ceremony we don't want to miss. I hope we make the best of our schooling by being productive, patient, and pliant pupils. I pray we will learn the essential lessons of life by doing our best to pass the test.

Samuel.