Balancing Life in the University— Lessons from John 15

Geri Forsberg-Madison
English, Western Washington
Communications, Trinity Western

January.

Research, teaching, and meetings. Students standing outside my office. Spouse and children that demand attention. Keeping priorities is not easy. I find that it takes constant energy, and I am always making choices.

Early in my Christian life I heard a message based upon Jesus’ teaching in John 15. I do not recall who taught this, but I have always remembered it and have tried to keep three priorities in my mind and life.

The Three Priorities

First, the priority of keeping Christ number one.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (verse 5).

My first priority in all the busyness of life should be to abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ means listening to Him, communicating with Him, drawing counsel from Him, depending on Him for everything—my teaching, writing, research, and all of my relationships.

Second, the priority of loving other believers.

Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you…This is my command: Love each other” (verses 12,17).

I can’t love my Christian colleagues unless I spend time with them. Meeting with other believers is not merely an option — it is essential. On campus I am known for helping to lead our faculty fellowship by being committed to it and serving.

Third, the priority of reaching out to those who do not know Christ.

Jesus said, “…You also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” (verse 27)

They Need Him

His disciples had spent time with Him; the rest of the world had not. Our colleagues desperately need Him, even if they cloak their need in cynicism or seeming indifference.

I believe there are many ways we can do this in appropriate ways within the university context:

Serving students and colleagues, going the extra mile for them. It opens doors of ministry.
Allowing students to share their life issues through emails. I find students far more open about themselves online, and some ask me to pray for them.
Hosting a campus-wide event such as Veritas Forum where Truth is examined.

I have found that when I keep these three priorities from John 15 in my life, everything else seems to fall into place.

When I get so busy that I do not spend time with my Lord, or with other believers, and when I do not share Christ with others, things in my life just go out of balance. I become overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, and frustrated. When I ask Christ to take control of my life, to take first place, my life becomes more calm, joyful, hopeful, ordered, and productive – even amidst the busyness.

[Photo Courtesy Eric Evans]