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God certainly expects excellence of Christian students: if not excellent results, at least excellent effort. Too often (undisciplined) students become Christians and then use evangelism or "the church" as an excuse for mediocre performance. We must help our students to see that academics are a God-given responsibility. There is nothing "unspiritual" about studies. The unspiritual course to take is to neglect academics. Without perseverance the student suffers great loss in character, discipline, confidence, and credibility not to mention future prospects.
1. Clear commission
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1 Corinthians 7:25
Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
God called us to be Christians as students for a reason! We have a responsibility to glorify God in academics and evangelism.
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Colossians 3:22-23
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Attitude is more important than aptitude. Academics are a vital part of your "spiritual" life. To have consistent motivation, work for God, not for self.
2. Evangelistic example
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1 Thessalonians 4:11
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you..
A consistent example has an impact! Classmates will be drawn to those who can help others.
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Mark 7:37
People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
People were amazed by Jesus' all-around excellence. You will amaze family and friends if you excel in all areas. "Ministry through academics, not in spite of academics."
3. Powerful preparation
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James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Persevering with academics leads to spiritual maturity: discipline, focus, faith
- Suggested
a. Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
b. Proverbs 18:9
One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
c. Philippians 2:14-16
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing,
15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
16 as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
d. 1 Timothy 3:7
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
e. 1 Timothy 4:15-16
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Practicals
- Seek discipling in your academics.
- Get input from professors, lecturers, classmates.
- Attend every lecture. This is important for your example.
- Take good notes, and catch up on missed lectures.
- Go through homework within a day of receiving it and plan how you will get it done.
- Keep current at all times! For conscience's sake, as well as for practical reasons.
- Aim to sleep reasonably, especially during exams.
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