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What time is it?

I have recently started my Master’s studies through Liberty University. Looking at the clock now after finishing a healthy portion of intense studying, I am wondering what I was thinking trying to get a Master’s in Divinity. I do have aspirations to go into the ministry, but is that enough to put in this much studying and this much effort? It certainly isn’t the money I am after as I know the pay isn’t always the best, and am positive I can obtain a Master’s degree in some form of business or finance and make a nice sized pay check down the road and secure my financial future.

So why am I studying Christian Theology in 2010?

In a world that is made up of wired electronics that are completely wireless, and economic woes that worry the most established businessman, it almost seems irrelevant to study such ancient things. People might think I am just wasting my life and should invest my time and energy into more fruitful studies and business ventures, and you might be surprised to hear that I find myself questioning daily that I might be making a huge mistake with my choices! My life seems to be speeding up as I get older and I am starting to wonder if I have enough time to accomplish what Jesus is leading my heart towards.

But… Christ is the hope that I cling to. I believe that I have been called into His ministry to go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am not trying to gear my life towards Jesus so I can feel better at the end of the day, or make sure I have a nice retirement lined up, or to receive a framed degree with my name on it…
No, I am just trying to give as much as I can to my Savior who gave His everything for me. I want to be able to look at the 20 year old soldier who is heading across the sea while clutching his rifle in one hand and a cross that his dad gave him in the other and explain to him the hope that is found through Christ. So that one day when I am knelt before my King, I can look at His scarred feet and tell Him that I tried to lead all of his lost and hurt children in my path to a miraculous life with Him.

I am not saying that you need an advanced degree to do the work of Jesus. You don’t need any type of education, experience, money, or speaking ability. All you need is a willing heart to go out and show the love of Christ to your world. Pray about where you can be best used by God, and He will definitely open your doors.

I still wonder if I am making the right decision about my life. I can keep on guessing, but the one thing I know for sure – the clock keeps on ticking and my time here, just like yours, is limited. Just look at the time.

In Christ,

Jon





A lot of this message was inspired by my church’s Senior Pastor, Max Lucado. I will paraphrase what he said today because I don’t have the exact words… “We ask God why there is so much suffering in the world, and God says I was about to ask you the same thing.” This has been going through my mind all day, and what Max is saying is that we have the ability to go out and change the world one person at a time through our various resources. You are the solution to the problems we see and whether you see it or not, God has supplied us with the resources. Max Lucado is joining with World Vision to sponsor underprivileged children. I encourage you to view his efforts at http://www.maxlucado.com/worldvision/. My family and I have joined in and think it would be great if you would take a look and consider joining too. God Bless!
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