The Bottom Line

I don't know about you, but when I see the phrase "the bottom line" I know that we are finally getting to the most important part.  When you purchase a car, you wheel and deal, argue and counter-argue.  Finally, you reach the end of negotiations.  Whether the end is that you walk away or that you crawl into your new vehicle, at least at this point, is immaterial.  You and the sales person have reached the end.  You are at the bottom line.  Now, all that's left is to make the decision.  The bottom line.

The bottom line to your education, to your past life, and even to your future life is not in the "doing".  We are called into a relationship with Him.  Beyond that, nothing else matters.  All other negotiations are off.  That's the end.  The bottom line.  Live in a right relationship with God and "all these things will be added unto you." (Mt. 6)  We live to, for, and in Him.  That, my friend, IS the bottom line.  Where He sends you, what He gives you to do, those things are the "added unto you" things.  Seek first the Kingdom of God.  Seek first to live in right relationship with Him, and then...

How does this affect your schooling?  In multiple ways.  First, it means that coming to seminary was part of His plan for your life.  Live here.  Second, He has brought you here for a purpose.  This is not a hoop to jump through so that you can do the next thing.  This is your opportunity to increase your relationship with Him through learning how to be a better minister (yes, even those who are not planning to be a pastor are ministers).  Get all you can while you're here.  This is part of the bottom line.  Being in right relationship with Him today means that you are doing all you can today to keep that relationship intact.

Bottom line?  Keep pressing forward.  Keep that relationship with Him healthy.  In the end, it is all that matters.