Pacing Guide

It is a classic problem in education that every teacher has to attempt to solve. We all know that every child is different. They also learn at different levels and at different speeds. The problem that faces each classroom teacher is trying to decide when students have mastered a skill. Or maybe I should say when "enough" students have mastered a skill; Let's face it, for whatever reason, not all high school students are going to adequately learn every concept. So when should the teacher "move on" and when should the teacher reteach? My school system has developed a pacing guide that outlines what should be taught, how long it should take to teach the objective, and when it is time to move on to the next lesson. Obviously, in order to teach all the objectives in a particular course, a certain pace must be kept. But it is not as simple as just following the guide. We all know that not everything in our world works out the way it was designed. Maybe in a perfect world, but not in ours.

When it comes to following Christ, there is no pacing guide. It does not matter if we are as far along in our spiritual walk as Billy Graham, or if we have just started out like a thief on a Cross. In God's eyes, we are all equal. I sometimes get a little depressed when I meet someone who is farther along in their walk with the Lord than I am. But there is no reason for it to get me down. I should indeed use that person as an example for my life and allow them to motivate me to continue my walk. But I should not feel like they are any better than I am. We all walk at a different pace, and God completely understands that. He made us. There is absolutely nothing about us that He does not understand. The important thing is not how far along we are, but rather, that we are at least walking with Him. Through prayer and studying God's Word, He will bring us along at His perfect pace.

Psalm 17:5 says, "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped."

Father, please help us to continue striving in our walk with You. Please show us the way. In Jesus name, Amen.