Worship and Study

Part 6 of 6

Obviously, one of the primary reasons universities exist is to develop the mind. But we will never truly understand the importance and value of higher education until we grasp two principles of faith. First, academic study is a spiritual discipline. It strengthens the mind, just as other disciplines (like fasting and prayer) strengthen other aspects of our being. It helps shape us into the image of Christ. It is not something we do as an afterthought the night before an exam, or as a filler when we are bored and can't find anything better to do. No, scholarship is a high and joyous purpose, because the pursuit of truth is a joyful and sacred journey, and it deserves the very best we can give it.

And second, learning is an offering and a form of worship. Imagine two students meeting on the sidewalk. One is holding a Bible, and is on the way to a Bible study. The other is holding a history textbook, and is on the way to the library. Can you understand that both students are on their way to worship God? I can praise and glorify God in reading an anthology of literature, or solving a difficult math problem. God is both the source of truth and the path into truth. In the simple act of studying the world, then, we ascribe worth to the Creator, which is the very definition of the word "worship." If you are like me, sometimes you wonder if you have anything at all that is truly worth giving to God. When the offering plate is put in front of you, your pockets feel empty. May I suggest that one of the greatest offerings you can ever give to God is your intelligence?

God in His sovereign grace has brought you to here. Do not miss this fundamental truth: attending Simpson is not just preparation for good thing later; it is a good thing in itself. It is a season of your life. Of course education is a lifelong process, but this is the purest setting you will ever have for focusing simply on learning, on acquiring facts, knowledge and intellectual skills. So let God be the Lord of this season.

God is worthy of everything you have. Worship him by learning; love Him with your whole mind.
http://christiannews-tjmarshall.blogspot.com/