In Ukraine, students everywhere are preparing for and taking exams to finish the current year of study. How can the Word of God be applied to this situation? In 1Co9:24-25, the Apostle Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.”(NIV translation)
First, we see there are many who want to claim the prize, but what exactly is the prize. The prize is not only completion of the course of study and graduating to the next year of study. The prize is how we may bring the most glory and honor to God in the process. This is also our testimony as believers to a watching world.
Second, how should we run the race God has prepared for us? We are required to run with integrity. The world may lie, cheat, steal or bribe in order to get what it desires, but in the end this will not benefit the doctor or the patient. The patient’s trust will be destroyed. The doctor’s influence will be greatly diminished. The healing, both physical and spiritual will be suppressed. The cause of Christ will not be advanced.
Third, what does being in the competition require of us? All who participate must be in strict training. This training requires both time and effort. One cannot acquire a semester’s worth of knowledge in a couple of weeks of study. It is the persistent and vigorous pursuit of knowledge that enables one to not only pass the exam but retain the knowledge for use after the exam.
Finally, everyday whether still in school or graduated we are tested. God provides us with gifts and talents to be used in His service and the means to with stand any test we must face. Therefore, be encouraged to fight the good fight and hold on to faith and a good conscience (1 Tim 1:18-19). May God bless all students during this time of intense study.
