Faith Reflection

In a sermon demonstration I heard today, the preacher noted our need to abandon ambition in the name of our commitment to Christ. Now ambition is not bad...not at all. However, ambition can move from being what we think is God's will or promise for our life into our singular dream...an idol...where everything we do is to move toward that goal. We ask, "what can I do to get from here to there?"

We have dreams...worthy ones, even. I have a dream of sharing the beauty of God's creation, in both human and natural form, with students. My own study abroad experience as a sophomore in college was a life-changing and eye-opening experience that widened my horizons, challenged (and grew) my faith, and made me keenly aware of the seemingly normal materialism rampant in my life, my community, and beyond. The spiritual and emotional growth that occurs while outside your own country, state, and even zipcode is immense and I want a career that would allow me to share these opportunities with students. 

With a PhD, I am a few steps closer to this goal. As a result of my hard work, I am a few steps closer to achieving success. 

It is the American Dream to work hard and do the things necessary to achieve success. But I think we can confuse these ideals with "what God wants for me and my future." 

The preacher quoted C.S. Lewis: "He who has God plus many things has nothing more than he who has God alone."

It was a humbling reminder that I am the same in God's eyes, with or without a PhD. While I may be more educated, I am still a broken child of God. I have no more value than a faithful day laborer who toils in the fields to provide for his family.