Finals week is upon us.

It’s time for late nights, lots of stress, and lots of procrastination. As a junior, I am no stranger to the chaos that will ensue this week. I know fully what to expect. However, I am still running into the same problem that I did as a freshman--how do I stay motivated to work?

For me, motivation often comes in spurts. Sometimes I am in a mood to work as hard as I can and get everything done. Then the next minute, I just want to lay in bed and watch Netflix. There is nothing wrong with taking breaks from studying or working on a project. In fact, it is actually a really good thing to do. I have noticed that my breaks tend to be longer than they should be, and I am staying up later and later to do absolutely nothing.

In order to keep myself on task, I have found it helpful to ask myself “What is the point?” and “Why am I working?” My answer should always be, “I am working hard and doing my best because I want to glorify God through this.” If my answer is anything less than this, then it is time for me to take a break. When this is not my answer, my work becomes meaningless.

One of my favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NIV). As Christians, this should be a verse that guides our lives. In absolutely everything we do, we need to be doing it in a manner that brings glory to God. This includes finals week. I should strive to approach finals week with an attitude that is pleasing to God.

I’ll admit, sometimes this verse isn’t quite enough to motivate me. Here’s another passage I use to keep myself in check:

2 Thessalonians 3: 6, 10-14 (NIV)

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us… For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.

This passage really emphasizes the value of work; we should be doing our own work and doing our best work. If we don’t work, we don’t eat. In this case, if we don’t study, we don’t pass the final. If we do not bring our best work, this passage of Scripture says that we should feel ashamed.

As hard as finals week can be, the point is that we can glorify God through it. Because of this, we should strive to do our best. Do not tire of doing good. Do not give up just yet.

Happy Finals Week!