Ever since the first day of school, I have had a very difficult time making education a priority. As I reflect on all of the classes I have taken since elementary school, there are roughly half a dozen classes I truly enjoyed. As I ponder this, I understand it to be a rather sad reality. Even as a junior at Biola, I find it difficult to truly enjoy class, especially homework. To be honest, I am rather bored most of the time. Let me preface by saying there are several helpful techniques that help to appreciate education. Some of these include: refraining from phone use, seeking ways the class reflects the brilliance of God, participating in group discussion, and getting enough sleep the night before. Additionally, having the right professor creates a drastic difference in the quality of the class. However, even when all of these factors are present, there still seem to be several times in which I find myself, and others as I survey the energy of the room, just bored. Clearly there must be certain ingrained expectations, dispositions, and contrasting desires that many students have deep within. In this article, I will explore one of those possibilities.
From my reflection on this issue, I consider the most prominent reason students are bored in class stems from having the wrong dreams. As Americans, society motivates us to think, act and dream big. Anything is possible in the "land of the free and the home of the brave," yes? Our blessings are handed to us on a silver platter, which instills an unhealthy perspective on life. As Americans, we develop a habit of viewing the world as consumers, driven by personal need and desire. As I contemplate the recurring thoughts that create a driving, hopeful force through my days, I admit that some are centered around dicey adventures, spontaneous excursions, traveling, and uniquely lavish lifestyles that cater to me.
How foolish am I? Has Christ not made the purpose of life clear as day? Friends, I encourage you to analyze with me what your deepest dreams in life are. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” 20th century renowned pastor A.W. Tozer describes man's chief end perfectly, “to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever” [1]. As we work and seek to glorify God, Scripture responds with radical commands. Aside from desiring Christ, our greatest dream for this life should be that those who do not know Christ find him, and those who do know him are strengthened in their relationship with Him. We may claim this with our mouths, but do we live this out? Do we actively work towards this goal and make it a priority? If we strive to do so, then I propose that gaining knowledge, increasing in wisdom, and cultivating a proper intellect for our career should be what we seek. Therefore, we sacrifice lesser priorities for the sake of this greater need.
Branching off this vine, we must understand that our education is not simply for ourselves. Scripture reads, “you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). There is an apparent level of disconnect within the church on this statement. As Christians, we do not just follow Christ, we are Christ's. He purchased us by his blood, claiming us as his possession. This requires our full submission, which fulfills our original chief end of committing all to the genesis of creation: God. The primary purpose of our education is not the cultivation of skills that lead to internships and a steady career. We are blessed with top-notch, accredited education to follow God into the work He is already doing in the world, so that He may be ultimately praised.
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1. Tozer, A. W., and Samuel Marinus Zwemer. The Pursuit of God;. Harrisburg, Pa.: Christian Publications, 1948. Print.
