Gregory R. Bashford,
Biological Systems Engineering,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
[Sept. 11, 2011] —

The student was beaming. “Thanks, Dr. B!” he said.

Based on his obvious talents, I had steered him towards a particular engineering industry, and he returned to tell me about his freshly-received, cushy job offer. “If you hadn’t shown me this area, I never would have known it existed!” He left a thank-you note and tufts of cloud nine floating through my office.

My Sagacity

Well, another success! I leaned back, congratulated myself, and wondered where this poor soul would be if not for my sagacity. Subconsciously I looked around for my pipe and tweed jacket. Where is the next advice-seeker? Bring ‘em on!

I don’t know about you, but I can easily find this attitude in myself. The power we wield (or are perceived to wield) as professors, coupled with our role in undergraduate life, makes it easy for a wandering student to find her/himself in our office asking what the next step should be.

What a tightrope on which we balance, the blessing of God’s work through us. Instead of rejoicing for the honor of serving Him, it’s rather too easy to puff up with pride.

And thus I often find myself asking: Am I using my talents to edify students and point to the One who made them, or am I abusing my gift to feel important?

Where I Lead Them

If I’m not letting the power of Christ work through me, I’m not doing anything of value. Even worse, if I’m basing my counsel on the admiration I think I’ll earn, I may lead someone astray from what is best for him or her. Time to find a millstone and look for the nearest sea (thankfully a long way from Nebraska).

How can I keep myself from losing my balance?
1. By abiding in Him. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Daily, I must seek Him and consciously connect to Him.
2. By considering every encounter a divine appointment. Jesus took the most mundane encounters and turned them into incredible opportunities. Every time someone walks into my office, I must ask, “Lord, how can I serve this person?”
3. By not thinking about myself. Apart from the Bible, C. S. Lewis said it best: “Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays… he will not be thinking about humility; he will not be thinking about himself at all.”

Christ gave us an awesome responsibility; to tend young, naïve lives, turning them one way or another, while modeling (maybe their only example) God’s love. Don’t lose that for the transient, unfulfiling pleasure of feeling important!

© 2011 Gregory R. Bashford