Soon after moving into my college dorm room, all freshman students and their parents were invited to attend a welcoming ceremony, where Faulkner's dear president, Mike Williams, gave an opening speech. Toward the end of his speech, President Williams asked the audience if they came to college to receive a title or a testimony. As he elaborated, it made me think about why I'm really at Faulkner University, and that is to help strengthen my relationship with God.
I am a forensic psychology major, and my dream is to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years. I also aspire to be in the FBI: specifically, a profiler. These are titles I hope to earn one day, but as President Williams said in his speech, I cannot do so without a strong testimony. And when it all boils down to it, a testimony is more important than a title. I cannot place my education, although important, above God. Whatever I achieve in this life, all praise and glory will go to Him. My talents and abilities are to be used in my service to Him and in turn, God will continually bless me.
According to dictionary.com, one definition of a testimony is an 'open declaration or profession.' Before I can successfully earn a professional title, I must put God first and let Him take control of my life. I'm pretty sure He knows what's up!
A passage of scripture that comes to my mind about testimony is Timothy's words in 2 Timothy 1:7-8a:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Some dreams I have for my future include driving a Camaro, living with a family of my own in a colossal house, being the 'cool' wife and mother who works for the FBI and never having to worry about living 'without.' That life would be pretty neat. There is nothing wrong with having nice possessions, as long as they are not placed above God. He blesses me richly everyday, but the ultimate goal for me and my (future) family is Heaven. Living in a big fancy home is nothing compared to what God has in Heaven waiting for His faithful followers at the end of their journeys. I know this because of Jesus's sweet words in John 14:1-3:
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
This school year, I challenge myself and my fellow classmates to study hard academically while becoming stronger spiritually. So I will leave this question with each one of you to think about.
What's more important in your lives: a title or a testimony?
