Full Ride

“[Jesus said] 'So then, don’t worry saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’” –Matthew 6:31-33, NET

Laura’s father slid his glasses down his nose and peered over them. He sat in his high back chair in front of his monstrous cherry-wood desk littered with antique trinkets. The ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the study echoed in the silent seconds of her father's pause. “I’m paying for it. Every penny. Tuition, books, housing, food, and clothing. I’ll even procure you a job for additional funds for benevolence. So I expect some semblance of gratitude to prompt you to diligent study. You will focus on that degree.”

Laura rolled her eyes and sighed, “Okay, Dad. I know. I’ll work hard.”

“I’m serious,” he continued sternly. “Your inheritance is dependent on your proper completion of that degree. I’m not going to have my riches frittered away on frivolity.”

Laura smirked. “Frivolity, Dad? Really?” He remained silent; his eyes locked onto her. Slowly, her smile faded.

“No more partying with your friends or skipping classes,” her father continued. “Do not attempt to rob my generosity again. I know what you are capable of, and your high school years do not reflect this potential.”

That last line stung. “So, I can’t have any fun until I graduate, is that it?”

“No,” her father responded calmly. “You just need to change your definition of fun. It is imperative you surround yourself with like-minded individuals that are striving for the same goal. Do not squander this opportunity, Laura. I am not compelled to do this out of obligation. I am doing this solely because I love you. Please see that. It will transform how you see the next four years.”

Contemplate this imperfect parable. Let us be as a student who is promised, not just provision for her four years (Mat 6:31-33) but an inheritance of astounding proportions (Eph 1:17-19) if she remains focused on the purpose for being at the university and receives commendations for a job “well done” (Mat 5:5; 25:21). May we be diligent in our work (Mat 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), preparing ourselves for the “real world” (2Pe 3:13), knowing “these light and momentary afflictions” (2Co 4:17) do not compare to the riches that await us at the end (Rom 8:18). Time is short (1Co 7:29-31), and we do not want to exit this current opportunity empty-handed (1Co 3:11-15). “So with this goal in mind, … strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” (Phi 3:14). You are here for a grander purpose (John 17:18)—His glory (Isa 43:7). So do not trifle with futility (Ecc 1:2-8) and squander away your time (Luke 15:13). Rather, seize the opportunity of these evil days (Eph 5:16), and “lay hold of that eternal life [we] were called” (1Ti 6:12) making “every effort to enter [His] rest” (Heb 4:11). May we see His great generosity (Eph 2:4-7) and allow His finished word (John 19:30) to fill our hearts with gratitude (Col 2:6-7) and propel us to diligently to “work out” such a “sweet salvation” with “fear and trembling” (Phi 2:12; Heb 2:3). In this, we “make [our] election sure” (2Pe 1:10), and see His generous investment come to fruition (Phi 1:16) and lay claim to our promised inheritance (1Ti 6:12,19; Heb 6:11-12).

“You know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.” –Colossians 3:24, NET