SHINING BRIGHTER IN ACADEMICS

Daniel 6:3 “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

Anchor Scripture: Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God is interested in all aspects of our lives; academics inclusive and as Christian, our father desires that we glorify him and shine bright academically in any field of study.

Let us examine a few principles that can make you shine brighter academically;

1. Disciplined life: Without discipline no one can progress in life. As a disciple of Christ we need to discipline ourselves. Proverbs 5:12-13, “12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; 13And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!” These verses of The Scripture talk about the dangers of hating discipline and correction. If you discipline your life as a student, you will soon see improvement in your learning and boost your self-esteem and motivate you to excel more.
2. Prioritizing your time: Prioritizing is all about assigning due importance to all your activities. Remember that you do not have the luxury of time. So make it a point not to waste time. Some activities such as gossips, unwanted SMS, staying on the internet etc, may be popular other students, but you need to decide on their priority. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
3. Regular Devotional Life: Have a regular Quiet Time and prayer for at least 30 minutes every day. A disciple’s life is built on his/her relationship with the Lord. As you spend time every day in reading and meditating on God’s word, you could seek God’s help and wisdom in your difficult areas. With God’s help you would grow in your precious faith and also excel in your studies. Although Daniel was extremely busy in the King’s business but still had time to pray 3 times a day Daniel 6:3-5, “3Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. “ Daniel 6:10, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
4. Regularity in studies: Regularity is a very important discipline without which a student cannot progress much. It is very common among students to postpone studies and assignments till the last minute. Instead, if they spend time regularly on these, many subjects will not be so burdensome. Read and Study every day. This takes off pressures of longer hours for reading during exams. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
5. Perseverance, Diligence, Patience: These are three words which are very important for a student. Our Christian life is compared to a long-distance race which needs perseverance, diligence and patience Hebrews 12:1-3, “1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Never give up; you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

VICTORY TIP:

You can shine brighter academically in any field of study. To guarantee your shinning be disciplined, diligent and keep your devotion to God.

PRAYER:

1. Father, make me a shining light academically that I might bring glory to your name.