School or God - Confused!

Grace Lauren · Jan 17, 2018

While acknowledging Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man", I understand that I should work my hardest in university. So, everything I do I should do my best on as if I was working for the Lord. Correct?

Now here is where I am conflicted...

If I am working my hardest in school, it means school takes up most my time. To do well in uni (your best), one must focus on their studies. And in turn, I end up spending less time with God.

If I put God as a priority (and I know I should) then I would not be able to do my best in school.

I want to put God first but when I do, I can't do my best in school.

I am confused as to what to think.

Thanks in advance

messianist · Jan 17, 2018

Hi Lauren

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

ever blessing.

RaymondG · Jan 17, 2018

This is some good stuff here......Wish this thread was around when I was doing not so well in college.....I would have told my parents "I'm focusing on God, so my grades are supposed to be bad!"

But the facts are, when you focus on God, you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the fields, Bless when you come and go. You will be the head, a lender, above and not beneath.

When you trust in God, you will excel in school and not the opposite.

afishamongmany · Jan 17, 2018

Grace Lauren said:
While acknowledging Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man", I understand that I should work my hardest in university. So, everything I do I should do my best on as if I was working for the Lord. Correct?
Now here is where I am conflicted...
If I am working my hardest in school, it means school takes up most my time. To do well in uni (your best), one must focus on their studies. And in turn, I end up spending less time with God.

If I put God as a priority (and I know I should) then I would not be able to do my best in school.
I want to put God first but when I do, I can't do my best in school.
I am confused as to what to think.
Thanks in advance

Hello Grace L. - Welcome to CF.
So are you saying that when you are studying and in school that you are not with God?
If we are 'in Christ' (that is Christians) He is always with us - Hebrews 13:5.
How we use our energies and time will vary depending on changing circumstances but by prayer and with faith all things work together for the good of those who love Him. It should not be either/or but both/and.
Have a ponder on what Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.
Study serious and give thanks,
><>

All4Christ · Jan 17, 2018

In all things, give thanks and praise to God. Unceasing prayer doesn’t mean staying in one place all day to pray; rather, we put God as our priority in all things...and give God the glory for all He has done. Our minds are one thing we can give God glory and thanks for - and we can study with the intent to take care of those talents given to us by God. Following God I’m a secular job, asa student or in other vocations are not lesser paths as opposed to serving as clergy or a monastic. It is a way we can follow God while in this world, giving glory to Him in all things.

longwait · Jan 18, 2018

Its so good that you are so concerned about your relationship with God when you are so young. How about keeping aside some time for God. Keep aside some time to study and some time to pray and read the Bible. If there is a will there is a way.

Aino · Jan 18, 2018

Don't abandon your responsibilities for praying. You are a student, your job is to study. God doesn't want us to abandon our earthly callings in order to pray. If you studying the place you are called to, then doing it well is for the glory of God. If your studies are ungodly or you're in a place that's wrong for you, then find another field of study or a job and do that. If you still think your studies / work are a waste of time then I suppose you need to join a convent.

Grace Lauren · Jan 18, 2018

Aino said:
Don't abandon your responsibilities for praying. You are a student, your job is to study. God doesn't want us to abandon our earthly callings in order to pray. If you studying the place you are called to, then doing it well is for the glory of God. If your studies are ungodly or you're in a place that's wrong for you, then find another field of study or a job and do that. If you still think your studies / work are a waste of time then I suppose you need to join a convent.

Thanks for thank comment! I just have a question on the part you said that "If your studies are ungodly or you're in a place that's wrong for you, then find another field of study or a job and do that." -- most all studies at univeristy and some colleges these day are all ungodly. I am studying to become a school teacher and the stuff these professors indoctrinate us with can be very ungodly and bias. I still don't understand what you mean. Thanks

Grace Lauren · Jan 18, 2018

longwait said:
Its so good that you are so concerned about your relationship with God when you are so young. How about keeping aside some time for God. Keep aside some time to study and some time to pray and read the Bible. If there is a will there is a way.

Thanks for the encouragement. Maybe I need to step it up haha

Grace Lauren · Jan 18, 2018

RaymondG said:
This is some good stuff here......Wish this thread was around will I was doing not so well in college.....I would have told my parents "I'm focusing on God, so my grades are supposed to be bad!"

But the facts are, when you focus on God, you will be blessed in the city and blessed in the fields, Bless when you come and go. You will be the head, a lender, above and not beneath.

When you trust in God, you will excel in school and not the opposite.

This was particularly helpful! Thank you

Another Lazarus · Jan 18, 2018

People need to go to work/study every day from 9 to 5, this is also the chance to give the fruits of the Holy Spirit to others :
Gal 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

The fruits will make others happy but the tree without the fruits will be cut off.

Aino · Jan 25, 2018

Grace Lauren said:
Thanks for thank comment! I just have a question on the part you said that "If your studies are ungodly or you're in a place that's wrong for you, then find another field of study or a job and do that." -- most all studies at univeristy and some colleges these day are all ungodly. I am studying to become a school teacher and the stuff these professors indoctrinate us with can be very ungodly and bias. I still don't understand what you mean. Thanks

Maybe you'll have to try and weigh it this way. Is your ultimate goal (becoming a teacher) is worth studying? Can you, as a teacher, live according to the calling you have? Is that something you believe is for you? If yes, then you'll need to start finding some perspectives on studying. What do you really have to learn at college to become a good teacher? Focus on that, and do well. If you have some obligatory courses that are just rubbish, finish them with whatever grade, don't bother working too hard. If you have an important course, where you more or less strongly disagree with the teacher, then work hard, form your own opinion and argue if necessary. Of course universities are generally secular and even at christian colleges you generally will face people you strongly disagree with. In my opinion that doesn't have to matter. You'll simply have to learn how to live with it.

ValleyGal · Jan 25, 2018

Grace Lauren said:
While acknowledging Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man", I understand that I should work my hardest in university. So, everything I do I should do my best on as if I was working for the Lord. Correct?

Now here is where I am conflicted...

If I am working my hardest in school, it means school takes up most my time. To do well in uni (your best), one must focus on their studies. And in turn, I end up spending less time with God.

If I put God as a priority (and I know I should) then I would not be able to do my best in school.

I want to put God first but when I do, I can't do my best in school.

I am confused as to what to think.

Thanks in advance

If you are studying according to Col. 3:23 and studying "as for the Lord" then you are actually putting him first by default because you are still being obedient to scripture. Putting God first means living for him in all things, making your choices according to biblical principles, and as one other poster said, "bearing fruit."

Grace Lauren · Feb 13, 2018

Aino said:
Maybe you'll have to try and weigh it this way. Is your ultimate goal (becoming a teacher) is worth studying? Can you, as a teacher, live according to the calling you have? Is that something you believe is for you? If yes, then you'll need to start finding some perspectives on studying. What do you really have to learn at college to become a good teacher? Focus on that, and do well. If you have some obligatory courses that are just rubbish, finish them with whatever grade, don't bother working too hard. If you have an important course, where you more or less strongly disagree with the teacher, then work hard, form your own opinion and argue if necessary. Of course universities are generally secular and even at christian colleges you generally will face people you strongly disagree with. In my opinion that doesn't have to matter. You'll simply have to learn how to live with it.

Thanks so much for this! Super helpful.

deusartemlux · Feb 15, 2018

Grace Lauren said:
While acknowledging Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man", I understand that I should work my hardest in university. So, everything I do I should do my best on as if I was working for the Lord. Correct?

Now here is where I am conflicted...

If I am working my hardest in school, it means school takes up most my time. To do well in uni (your best), one must focus on their studies. And in turn, I end up spending less time with God.

If I put God as a priority (and I know I should) then I would not be able to do my best in school.

I want to put God first but when I do, I can't do my best in school.

I am confused as to what to think.

Thanks in advance

Aw man, this was so me last semester. I know the pain. I LOVE getting the 4.0, and often see it as Christian dilligence. I kind of came to a conclusion. To me, I realized that getting good grades was becoming a bit of an Idol. As much as I wanted to serve Christ in my homework, one can't do that when they are pounding out homework 24/7. I had a heavy conscience every time I skipped bible reading to wake up early and study, or spending good money chugging down coffee to pull alnighters hanging out with study groups, all while telling my little brother I couldn't help him with his problems cuz I had a test the next day. Success and it's virtue is largely a western ideal, don't let it define you. Do good work, but don't sell your soul for it. I had to be happy pushing my calculus homework off my desk to read my bible and journal about it (seek first the kingdom of God). I struggle with this still, but I think that if God's word is really true and it's Him telling us how to live a Godly life, than it's worth a B or C (Or BOTH!) to spend some time in it, not to mention giving time to others, sharing the love of Christ.
Hope it helps! I really feel for you, stay strong in uni!

Grace Lauren · Feb 28, 2018

deusartemlux said:
Aw man, this was so me last semester. I know the pain. I LOVE getting the 4.0, and often see it as Christian dilligence. I kind of came to a conclusion. To me, I realized that getting good grades was becoming a bit of an Idol. As much as I wanted to serve Christ in my homework, one can't do that when they are pounding out homework 24/7. I had a heavy conscience every time I skipped bible reading to wake up early and study, or spending good money chugging down coffee to pull alnighters hanging out with study groups, all while telling my little brother I couldn't help him with his problems cuz I had a test the next day. Success and it's virtue is largely a western ideal, don't let it define you. Do good work, but don't sell your soul for it. I had to be happy pushing my calculus homework off my desk to read my bible and journal about it (seek first the kingdom of God). I struggle with this still, but I think that if God's word is really true and it's Him telling us how to live a Godly life, than it's worth a B or C (Or BOTH!) to spend some time in it, not to mention giving time to others, sharing the love of Christ.
Hope it helps! I really feel for you, stay strong in uni!

This really spoke to me. Thank you sooo much for your thoughtful response!!! All the best to you and your studies, my friend. God Bless<3

School or God - Confused!

Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Oldbie

✙ The Handmaid of God Laura ✙

Well-Known Member

God's own

Member

Member

Member

Old Newbie

God's own

Well-Known Member

Member

Solus Christus

Member

Similar threads