John Walkup, Emeritus Professor
Texas Tech University
Faculty Commons National Representative
I remember reading an article in my college alumni magazine by a woman who shared the lessons she had learned from her Down Syndrome child. She made this discovery: You’re not loved because you’re perfect. You are perfect because you are loved.
When I think of the pressures faced by professors and recall the ones I faced in graduate school, some thoughts come to my mind. There was always another student who would do a little better on an exam, no matter how hard I studied. Later, there was always another professor who would receive a little more recognition or a little larger raise in salary, no matter how hard I worked. If only I could be “perfect”!
In All The Wrong Places
I have a problem, and it starts right here in my heart. So often over my academic career I have felt the allure of looking for love in the wrong places, of seeking the approval of people rather than God. And, I have found that I am not alone in this struggle.
Each of us got to where we are in academia because we are high achievers. When we seek to be loved by others for our accomplishments, we miss the freedom of God’s love, which is not conditioned on our achievements. Salvation is not based on our works, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Recently I had the emotional experience of burying my 92-year old father, whom I dearly loved. My dad loved my sister and me unconditionally, though growing up we tested that commitment at times. I never felt that I had to earn his love.
Our heavenly Father is even more loving and more gracious than the best earthly father. He wants us to believe this truth, trust Him, and rest in Him, knowing we are forgiven and held securely by His unconditional love. His desire is for us to be conformed to the image of Christ.
I Am Slowly Learning
The best way we can draw people to Christ is to have unconditional love for others—family, friends, colleagues, students, etc. I have been slowly learning the importance of loving my wife and children in such a way that they actually feel that love. Being a goal-oriented person, I have too often been critical when problems arise and tried to implement a quick fix.
My family has been teaching me that I should first listen better. Sometimes professors are not the best listeners. Also, I need to give lots of encouragement and praise for the things that are being done well. Only then can I correct errors patiently and lovingly, with a soft voice and no lectures.
I have found I need to regularly review Chapter 13 of I Corinthians and be reminded of love’s characteristics. The good news for all of us is that it is never too late to allow Him to change us as we receive, abide in, and share God’s perfect love!
© 2006 John Walkup