It's the Final Countdown

            

Twice a year: around this time in May and right before Christmas, a large group of the population of America begin to have great stress and lack of sleep placed on their lives: finals week. It is a wonderful time of year where we have comprehensive tests and large papers or projects due within a few days of each other. It's when the library is packed with all those entering the doors in hopes that these many all-nighters will prove worthy of a higher GPA. But, as we are in the midst of this chaotic week, we should take a step and back think. I know thinking even more than we already have to during this time is asking for a lot, but it's needed. We should step back and realize why we're here and what the purpose for it all is. 

Firstly, why we're here. Well some say it's to gain an education, others to pursue a future career. Even others say because that is what you do after high school; go to college. But I think it's more than that. We are here for a purpose. We have been blessed with the resources and abilities to be in higher education. God has granted us the means to be here. His providence has given us funds for tuition, the resources for food and books, and the ability to pull those all nighters. He alone has granted this to us. Yes it is true we are here to prepare us for our future careers, but it is because he has granted us the ability to be here and in his provision we are being able to pursue this for our future. 

Secondly, what is the purpose for all of this. That can be hard to determine. I have been in this boat for almost two years trying to figure out why I am even pursuing the degree I am and what I can possibly do with it. Well, the purpose can be summed up as this: 

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelation 4:11 ESV)

It is for God's glory. That is why we are here. We are here to bring him glory and honor and praise through every aspect of our life; even through school. We can honor him by diligently studying and performing well so he may receive praise. It is by his will we were created. It is by his will we are here. It is from him we have everything, even the knowledge and capacity to understand what we're studying:

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."(Proverbs 1:7 ESV) 

If we begin by humbling ourselves before the one who knows all and has created all, and then progress by serving him through our work, we will succeed because we are pleasing him, regardless of how our GPA turns out or what grades we receive. If we devote our lives to honoring him in whatever we do, then we will serve our purpose; to bring him glory.

I know this is hard to realize. Studying is not the most entertaining thing to do with our time or resources. But, it is for a purpose. This is a short momentary thing we have to endure compared to what is in store for when we see Christ. So let’s humble ourselves, study hard and persevere to make his name great in our lives through our school work.

(Photo Credit: www.blueoxcreative.com)