Engaging well with your studies

‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.’ - Colossians 3:17

You may be wondering if your course really matters. Is the work that you do as a student something that can bring glory to God?

Colossians gives an emphatic ‘yes!’

Whatever you do, do it for Christ.

The gospel – the message of Christ dwelling in you (see Colossians 3:16) – transforms how you do everything, be that cleaning the shared kitchen or playing rugby with your mates. And yes, even the way that you study.

To study ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus’ is to study with integrity, humility, and love –– whatever your degree is. In doing so you honour God who made you to do good work (see Genesis 2:15).

But the significance goes beyond having a good work ethic.

Earlier in Colossians we are told that Jesus is head of all creation - all creation belongs to Him, and His mission of reconciliation involves every area of creation (see Col 1:15-20).

This includes your course. It is not merely a context in which to share the gospel with people but is itself to be reconciled to Christ. So, studying well ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus’ means joining with Christ in that work of reconciliation.

As you study, work towards the good of God’s creation, bringing your subject area under the lordship of Christ.

Your studies are also an opportunity for worship, ‘giving thanks to God the Father through Him [Jesus].’ Different subject areas provide different ‘ways in’ to declare the gospel and praise the Lord.

Whether what you study highlights the goodness of creation or the clear need for a saviour, point yourself and others to God in worship.

So, as you study this year, consider the ways that the gospel can bring transformation:

1. What would it look like for you to study with Christ-like character?
2. How does your subject area afford the opportunity to reconcile creation to God in Christ?
3. Where in your studies can you lead yourself and others to praise God?

You may be tempted to neglect your course for the sake of more obviously ‘Christian’ activities. Let me urge you instead to put your energy into being genuinely Christ-ian in all that you do.

This blog was written by Theology Network Coordinator Michael Williams. It was originally shared in the Student Email, to sign up click here.