Sep 3rd, 2008 by Daniel Radke
Being a college student, this is the time of year when I return to classes and begin the whole process of studying & learning. As I was reflecting on this new school year and the seemingly boring responsiblity of homework, I was reminded of something I’d written earlier. First read John 15:5, then read my commentary:
“’Apart from me you can do nothing” - Notice what this does not say. It doesn’t say: “Apart from me you can do only some things” or “Apart from me you can do only little things”. No, it says: “Apart from me you can do NOTHING!” Not even the smallest, easiest thing can be done without God. So, what does this mean practically? I mean, of course you see your nonbeliever friends turn in their homework apart from God, so what does He mean here? Well, He seems to be speaking not of earthly things, but of eternal things. Sure, alone we can do a homework assignment in an alright fashion, but we can’t advance God’s kingdom without God. And the good news is that not only does God give us the strength to do things that have obvious eternal value, but He empowers us to do earthly things in an eternal mindset, that can produce eternal rewards. You know what that means? You can have a whole new purpose for doing that next boring homework assignment…”
Indeed we can have a whole new purpose while doing our homework and studying for school. I pray for each one of you students reading this that you would become more aware of your role as a student and how that plays out in the grand scheme of God’s plan. Take joy that God can mightily use you wherever He’s placed you - even in a public school that profanes His name constantly. Fix your eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2!!!