Aiming for Straight A’s

On a school report card, we wanted all our grades to be A’s.  What are some of the A’s we as ministers should be aiming for?

by Don Hooser

We ministers are reminded from time to time about the qualities of a good minister. It dawned on me a few months ago that many of the qualities just happen to begin with the letter A. This strikes me as a neat coincidence, since “A” is the letter we always wanted to see on our report cards, and subsequently on the report cards of our children.

So I scanned through the “A’s” in my dictionary and, sure enough, I found a bunch of good qualities. Thinking about these adjectives has been a good reminder for me, and I think I’ve benefited from the association of having them all in one list. Here are some of the “A” virtues, many having to do with attitude:

Able – Having sufficient ability or resources.

Abstemious – Eating and drinking in moderation.

Accommodating – Helpful and obliging.

Accountable – Responsible, answerable, liable.

Active – Characterized by energetic action; busy.

Adept – Proficient; highly skilled.

Affable – Easy to speak to; approachable; amiable.

Alert – Watchful; mentally responsive & perceptive.

Amenable – Open to advice & criticism; tractable.

Amiable – Good-natured; cordial; friendly; congenial.

Amicable – Friendly; peaceable.

Amusing – Giving pleasure; causing laughter or smiles.

Approachable – Accessible; friendly; receptive.

Ardent – Characterized by strong enthusiasm; zealous.

Assertive – Positive; bold; not passive.

Astute – Keen in judgement.

Available – Accessible; ready to help.

Aware – Awake; conscious; cognizant; watchful; vigilant.

I’m ashamed I haven’t always gotten all A’s or even A-’s.

Of course, not all A’s are admirable. To be avoided: abrasive, abusive, accusative, acrimonious, apathetic, arrogant.

I’m increasingly achieving certain A’s: aged, ancient, antique, archaic. It’s getting harder to be athletic.

It sure would be nice to become more affluent. Alas!

I hope I don’t get “F’s,” except maybe fine and fantastic.

This alliterative article probably falls somewhere between average and awful.

But an article is just an article. What counts is our lives and ministry. When we are accessed by the Alpha and Omega and the Ancient of Days, especially at the end of our days, I hope we are approved.