Not like working-on-the-Chinese-language studying (which is a monster to tackle in and of itself), but more like cramming-for-finals/always-carrying-a-textbook-around studying. The latter's always been so much a part of my life that, now that I'm not on some kind of scholastic schedule, my brain waves are starting to go stagnant... ;)
Thus, the last couple weeks I've really thought about what I want to do next year, and in the next couple years to come. What does God want me me to do with my life, and how should I equip myself now?
I almost started the same process I put myself through last year: pick colleges, apply to them all, work like crazy on scholarships, and basically, stress out until God gives me an answer....almost. This time, I actually brought it before the Lord in serious prayer, more seeking the right perspective than answers. I've always wanted to finish my degree in a college that will force me to think beyond myself- not just spit back information I memorized from a textbook. I crave a challenge, therefore, I've always been seriously considering the crème de la crème of the world's colleges, and last week I became kind of overwhelmed about starting the application process all over again.
So anyways, unlike last year, this time I took time out to spend time with Jesus in the Word to clear my mind and get my focus back on Him, but yes, also to get some direction. And I totally did.
 |
| Learning to read...I am that is. :) |
Check out 1 Corinthians 3:10-23:
"But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ..."
First off, Jesus Christ is my foundation. Any knowledge I gain will be "built on top" of Him. One can automatically infer the strength of the foundation, based on the visible part of the structure. I'm no builder, so if I see section of wall is sagging, my instinctional assumption is that that part of the foundation is faulty, whether that's correct or not. Take heed what you build on your foundation. If you profess that the foundation of your life is Christ, you were given a fresh start to build on a perfect foundation, don't build a faulty structure on top.
"...Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is..."
This is the part that especially nailed me. I've always considered going to secular university for the sake of having a broader perspective of the different beliefs and theories in the world- mainly to understand and relate to a broader range of people. But this verse stopped me right in my tracks: if I'm planning on working for years to finish my degree- with the ultimate end to be useful for the future God has planned with me- and if all that work is to be tested with fire, shouldn't I make sure it counts for something? What sort of work am I building on my foundation of Christ?
"...If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire..."
Think about that image for a second- with the foundation of Christ you can have confidence that you yourself will make it through the fire "saved," but everything else in your life that is futile in the eyes of God- the things you've worked for and made the center of your life- will prove to be worth less than nothing and will be burned up in a flash. What a depressing thought. I never want to be in that place.
"...Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are..."
If the the verse before left me with the assumption that I'm truly free to build what I want on my foundation of Christ, this is where that assumption stops. It's true I could really learn anything and pursue other things in life except a perfect, unhindered relationship with Jesus Christ, but since when was that okay with God? Since when was that considered Christianity? If my life's really been transformed by Christ, shouldn't I be striving for holiness?" God has a perfect standard, I can't come up with a good reason why I should shoot for any less...
"... Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile..."
Futile. Just think of all those Oxford professors who are going to stand before God and be told that all their theories and philosophies are completely and utterly futile. What a humbling thought. God sits in heaven shaking His head at the emptiness of the "wisdom" here on earth. And here I am striving to take part in that futility for the sake of the pride that comes in having worldly knowledge.
"...Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s."
My perspective just went through a major transformation. It would make more sense for me to strive to get a Biblical education to build on the perfect foundation of Christ. I want the knowledge and wisdom I work for to make it through the fire. However, I would still be happy if God sent me to a secular university to give me the opportunity to share the peace and freedom I have in Christ with my peers. Either way, I guess God's expanded my horizons yet again and I'm excited to see where He's going to send me from here...
No comments:
Post a Comment