Summer Camp and Seminary

Yesterday I came home from the last course I have to take to finish my MA in Theology from Columbia International University. I’ve been taking courses there for longer than I care to admit, and I’m relieved and excited to have endured this long to finish.

CIU’s extension program requires all participants to take at least 50% of their classes on campus. These courses are usually taken in the winter or the summer as intensive, week-long courses. Despite the travel cost and scheduling problems, I love this option.

I was sitting with a group of my classmates on Friday at lunch, and we started talking about how Seminary classes at CIU were similar to summer camp. I had an eight hour drive staring me in the face, and I still was happy to squeeze an extra 45 minutes into my time there. I think I’ve figured out why.

Being at CIU is a time to be with like-minded individuals. We are all involved somewhat in ministry leadership positions. Our time at CIU, despite being mentally exhausting because of 8 hour class days also gives us time to no longer be in our ministry positions. We are just “the guy I sit next to in class.” It’s great to step out of a leadership role and become just another guy. It’s exciting to hear what God is doing in the lives of other people. And it is definitely exciting to sit with some of the greatest academic minds in different fields.

I’m glad my last week is over, but I know I will miss the week-long trips to Columbia, South Carolina. Those times will be fondly remembered, along with the friends I’ve made during my time there. Who knows…maybe I’ll keep studying…just for the fun of it.

Completion

There are two things I’m working on (among many) right now. One is to finish reading the Bible again (I didn’t make it in 90 days), and the other is to memorize the book of Philippians.

There is a huge difference between reading the Bible as rapidly as possible, which gives you a great idea of the grand scheme of the Scripture, and memorizing verses. Both are equally challenging.

Today I was reviewing Philippians 1:6, which is one of the verses I remember from a long time ago.

It says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

The truth in this verse shook me, reminding me that God will bring to completion the good work He has started in me. He’s not done with us yet. He’s still working on us. We are His workmanship, but He will complete us in the day of Christ Jesus. It reminded me of the song I used to sing in Sunday School as a child:

He’s still working on me
To make me what I ought to be
It took Him just a week
to make the moon and the stars
The sun and the earth and
Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
He’s still working on me.

Thank God for reminding me that I have not arrived. I still have many things that I need Him to complete. But I’m glad He’s started on me, and I’m happy that He is the one who will bring that good work to completion.