Advice to a New Seminarian

A small book by Danny Zacharias and Ben Forrest provides valuable guidance for surviving seminary studies. I have a point to add: stay close to God. An ironic thing happens to seminarians- they lose touch with God. Sounds weird, right? Well, it is a phenomenon. I talked with some others in seminary school, and guess what? They are fading away from their worship. How does this happen? The demands of a heavy research, reading, and writing program crush people. Couple all this with family, even if you are alone, with chores and the business of everyday life; who gets left out but the unseen Savior?

I recommend students make their worship the highest priority. I know It's harder to do than say. Yet, if one doesn't make God number one in their life, what is the purpose of all the buzzing about? When to paraphrase a Beatle song "when you are old and tired and grey" you won't remember the car you washed or care. But you will feel the absence of the loving arms of Jesus.  

Don't kid yourself; you are as venerable as any of the pasture sheep. One day, if a few days, you will need Jesus to lift you on his back and carry you to the village of followers for help. If you distance yourself and only seek Jesus when in trouble, what makes you think he knows you? He does, but you can't be a fair-weather friend. It's neither good for you nor Him. He tugs at you; he wants you. He is with you always. And the angels will sing when one of the flock returns. 

So, busy people, whether in graduate school, set a schedule on their phone for devotion at least twice daily. Attend a morning prayer session online- most are 15 minutes or fewer. When stuck in traffic, say a quick prayer to Jesus. Talk to him in the car as a passenger. He listens well. And above all, read one chapter a night in your Bible—just one. His word will enter your life each evening and how much will surprise you about change in yourself.