On page 222 section 3 , Augustine writes " Let me offer you in sacarafice the service of my thinking and my tongue, and grant that which I am to offer, "for I am poor and needy," .... Circumcise my lips inwardly and outwardly, from all rashness and falsehood. .... From them grant us space for our meditiaons on the secret recesses of your law, and do not close the gate to us as we knock." As a college student my purpose is to study different areas and my major, to use my youth as a platform to speak of what I have learned and how I have applied to my life, and to use my time wisely in discovering new things and have new experiences. What is the purpose of it all? I agree with Augustine that I must use to give glory to God and to not speak with rash or harsh words like many of our generation does but speak with the love and wisdom of my God. Its like what I have been learning in my Christian Worldview class that my studies mean nothing if I can not relate it back to the Gospel, my work/career means nothing if its not to be a disciple and witness to the lost God places in my life. This also why I love Honors because I get to intergrate my learning from both classes and see the connections made.
It's awesome to see how a text almost 2000 years old is still relevant to our lives today (reminds me of another book...). I think Augustine would like our Honors Program since he had a great respect for knowledge and was praised for his knowledge of pagan works since they gave him a better understanding of the Gospel. Well, except for Aristotle. As we know, he wasn't incredibly fond of Aristotle.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right. I have been thinking about whether or not I am looking at everything I learn through the lens of the Gospel. If I am not, then it truly does mean absolutely nothing. It is something that I need to be intentional about.
ReplyDeleteYes! What is the point of it all - all our work, efforts, words, relationships, etc - if we are not using them to glorify the Lord and further His Kingdom? All that we have and all that we are, are to be used as a sacrifice to God.
ReplyDeleteI cant express as much joy as you can by reading St. Augustine because it was difficult for me to focus while reading this book but there were numerous times I related strongly to things he talked about as well, this being one of them. Ill have to read it again later
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