Recently I have been once again thinking about the whole study-to-work transition and how this continues to affect our relationship with God and Christian service.
I can attest to this transition in my own life and have learnt many lessons and made many mistakes.
I made the choice to commence full-time work straight away after completing my studies and earn my own income so I no longer needed to rely on my parents.
Reflecting on this choice I have some regret for what I did, as I had many friends who made the more common choice of taking a really long holiday (mostly overseas) to celebrate the end of exams, assignments and group work forever. They then started work 3 months later. Just because I never did this doesn't meant it shouldn't be done, but as I mature I've come to understand that there are dangers with what I chose and what others chose.
A common explanation heard is that when you are a student you have alot of spare time but not much money. When you become a worker you have lot of money and not much 'spare time'. As a student you have a very active social life of parties, weekends away and a new term I've learnt.........chillax. With the transition to worker we now have money, but that active social life does not reduce per se, but rather increases to the point where the $$$ spent of these parties, weekends and holidays become more extravagant and luxurious as we actually have the money to spend. For some, buying a house is on the cards so money and time is spent on repayments as well as eating out and buying the latest homewares, cooking equipment, gadgets, computers, cameras and furniture for the home. These activities increases if marriage occurs during this time.
But what happens with Christian ministry and the relationship a Christian has with God during this transition?
As a student with much spare time (unless you have a secure part-time job), some spend a significant amount of that spare time helping out in church-based or mission-minded activities such as music at church, Sunday School, youth group, beach missions, running evangelistic events and discipleship with peers or those younger than them. On top of this there are many holiday camps and conferences they can attend (with either some savings or parents expense) to serve or grow and learn more about God to challenge our desire to serve, love and honour Him in all aspects of our lives. Looking back I cannot BELIEVE the amount of stuff I was involved with!!!!!
The senior staffworker during my time at university had said- 'the zeal and real growth of a Christian mostly happens between the ages of 18 to 24.'
Once we commence full-time work, that 'spare time' for ministry automatically diminishes as suddenly work becomes our priority. What time is left is usually spent relaxing, pursuing hobbies and the 4 weeks paid annual leave is spent travelling most of the time as work is a hard, long slog.
'We deserve it' we convince ourselves. 'We work hard so why can't we enjoy life ?' The desire to serve in church-based, mission-minded areas and attending training conferences reduces as we'd much rather spend the Friday and Saturday nights socialising with our work friends, church friends or spend a girls weekend away down the coast of have a 48 hour LAN party with our mates. I'm not targeting any specific group or gender with this, as I'm as much at fault as you are for falling into this very big trap.
What has happened to that zeal?
We cannot do all social things and neglect Christian ministry, and yet we cannot do all Christian ministry and neglect social things. However, which one would God prefer we choose? What does the apostle Paul write in Philippians 3?
I say I'm busy this week as I have touch footy on Mondays, meeting up with some girlfriends Tuesday night, Wednesday I hit the gym, have dinner with my spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend Thursday as its date night, and Friday drinks with the workmates on Fridays, then Saturday I have to go do the groceries and Sunday I have church. However, what exactly am I busy with? Where is my commitment to a regular bible study group and seeking ongoing ministry training opportunities?
I say I'm busy this week as I have BSF Monday night, meeting up with David and Kevin for Tuesday night discipleship, church bible study group Wednesday night, study prep for youth group Thursday night, youth group on Friday night, Saturday there is music practice in the afternoon before young adult fellowship at night, and then I'm playing music at church Sunday morning. Why then am I so tired and burnt out?
I look forward to be enlightened and finding the answers to this at Ignite 2012.
5 comments:
Wow, jan! This is something I've thought about as well but haven't been able to find clear answers to...stuff about balance always comes back but yeah :) Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts - maybe at Ignite!
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i only believe that a good student can produce a good worker and productive person.is am i right? pass4sure
How would you define 'good' in your explanation?
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