Focusing on Christ in grad school and beyond.

[Leafy Green Vegetables]

I am in grad school studying psychology. I love the subject matter, particularly trauma for which I am emphasizing. While things have been good, I have begun to notice that the life of an academic is not condusive to nurturing the man - God relationship. This is especially true when many universities are set up to have their professors get published or look for a job elsewhere. Furthermore, I have seen a lot of arrogance from my professors when it comes to their work...as if it is a "look at me, look at how many times my name has been cited and published". Barf. 1 Peter 5 comes to mind

[ QUOTE ]
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[a] 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

I really like research, but some of the attitudes of these professors and the nature of the game has slanted my view on the whole thing. I see this causing a seperation between man and God where the mans ego is served and God is left out of it. Thats probably fine for some, but I want God to be there.

I plan on staying with the research (I love it), but am looking for any support from those who are academics dealing with the same sort of collegues and work environment. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.!

[psaturn]

Jbagger,

I came out of UC Berkeley and I know exactly what you mean.

But it was at UC Berkeley that I my relationship with Jesus got stronger through great fellowship with folks at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. They had retreats and meetings that cultivated my love for God and people.

My suggestion is to check whether at your school they have Graduate Fellowships affiliated with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship or even Campus Crusade for Christ. IVC is more geared to personal growth and relationships while CCC is more evangelistic.

[Awesome]

You definitely would have a hard time changing them, but you can help yourself by following in the mod's footsteps of always citing Christ as your first source. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Leafy Green Vegetables]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I am able to have God time when I am not at school or doing work for school. It is just hard dealing with those who are very self absorbed because you start to think that you have to be that way to succeed.

[War5475]

Unfortunatly that is the way of the world. It wont get any better when you get out. The only thing i can say is Hold on to him so that he will set you apart and bless you appropriatly.

The world hats him so in tern they hate us. This is part of the price we pay for following him. Just remember that the harder it gets and the more it hurts that just means your getting closer and closer to what he wants you to be.

My prayers art to strengthen you and give incite into his plan to use you. A sheep among wolves. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

God bless.

War.

[Leafy Green Vegetables]

[ QUOTE ]
Unfortunatly that is the way of the world. It wont get any better when you get out. The only thing i can say is Hold on to him so that he will set you apart and bless you appropriatly.

The world hats him so in tern they hate us. This is part of the price we pay for following him. Just remember that the harder it gets and the more it hurts that just means your getting closer and closer to what he wants you to be.

My prayers art to strengthen you and give incite into his plan to use you. A sheep among wolves. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

God bless.

War.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seriously, thanks for the prayer. I am not sure if you were quoting something, but that means a lot.

[Adam Knowlden]

Hey bro,

There's nothing wrong with wanting to get published, but yes the motivation behind it means everything.

<font color="blue">Hebrews 1:3
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. </font>

We should be the radiance of God's glory on earth.

<font color="blue">14"You are the light of the world. </font>

Doing it to get glory of men, is not pleasing to God.

<font color="blue"> Philippians 3:19
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. </font>

But working for the glory of God is what life is all about!

<font color="green">15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. </font>

People should see our work, and notice a difference, that we strive hard and put in 110% effort.

<font color="red"> Romans 15:17
Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. </font>

<font color="blue"> 1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. </font>

War is right on, you can't please man and please God.

You have to decide whose favor you want. God's or man's. If you pick man, you'll get glory of men, and that will be the end of your reward.

<font color="brown"> 24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
</font>

If you do your work for the glory of God, you'll reap eternal rewards!

<font color="red"> 1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. </font>

Remember the Holy Spirit is with you bro. He will guide you and protect you!

[Leafy Green Vegetables]

Awesome post OS, I was waiting patiently for your reply. Providing related scripture helps a lot! Thanks.

[AllenAyres]

Be the change you want to see in others - always let your light shine, it may be the only light your professors see. Seek comraderie in like-faith fellow students, but remember Jesus put you in those classes for a reason too /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[jeffrobodean]

^^Right on Allen.
Everything happens for a reason - and you are where you are for a reason. That could be that God is using you to intervene on his behalf - to be the light of the way in such a God-less place.
I stumbled into the fire service never really giving it a thought prior to my joining. Now that I am in and can see what it's like, I think God put me there to help bring him in there as well. The trauma field is conducive to breeding God-Complexes. That is obviously because you often find yourself holding someone's life in your hands, and it is, quite literally, a life or death situation. When you become so good at it that you are saving hundreds of lives, it is easy to see how you could cultivate a God-Complex if you do not have Him living inside you. Afterall, you only have the abilities you have because God blessed you with them. He is the one guiding your hands, your actions in the trauma setting and so many people forget that, or don't consider that at all.
Perhaps God has you there so you can show His works in this light. Don't succomb to their way of thinking or let them bother you. As loud as they are shouting their own praises, you should shout God's for all of your successes. Who knows? Maybe the ones there who are shouting the loudest are really crying for help and you can be that one point of light to help open up doors for them.
I haven't been the best Soldier for Christ in our department, but I have seen some small changes. We actually had a visit from the Gideon's last week passing out Bibles. They are focusing on Police and Fire Departments this year, so God is working. Let him work through you.