It seems that no matter who I speak to in their twenties, they always say they wished they’d behaved differently in school. Some say they wished they had taken their academic career less seriously, that they missed out on carefree days worrying about assignments that meant very little in the grand scheme of things. Others say they followed a path that was simply not right for them, following careers guidance from their teachers or family members and now that they are qualified wish they could embark on a completely different career path. Many say that they wish they had worked much harder and would love to start secondary school again with a new attitude and the world at their feet.
I fall into that third category. It will come as no surprise to the many who know of my atrocious timekeeping, that this lack of discipline also extended to my academic career. Completion of almost every homework and assignment was always left to the last possible second. Preparation for exams stemming right back to my 11+ involved me sitting at 6am rocking back and forth, after a sleepless night of cramming telling myself “it’s okay, I can always repeat;” or after almost completing four years of a teaching degree, the night before handing my dissertation in (with days of editing needed on the piece) “Maybe I would actually be happier running a dog grooming service from home.” I think my work ethic has changed since God placed me in a career where other people depend on me but working with young people has given me much food for thought on how to glorify God through examinations.
Show others how HE makes you different
God gives us very clear advice on how we should treat any major or minor task expected of us. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
I have had the privilege of teaching young Christians who have been truly inspirational in their attitude towards exams and schoolwork. This is not to say that they always achieve top results or produce the best work when compared with their peers, but it is obvious when someone has put their whole heart into something. As a Christian, I am well aware of whose glory these young people strive for, but for teachers and classmates who don’t know Jesus, truly living out Colossians 3:23-24 speaks volumes to others about a young Christian’s faith. This little verse really challenges us to think of whatever tasks we face in school, university, or work with a view of eternity.
No matter what my daily chores might be
To earn my livelihood, still may I see
My job, the real position that I hold,
Is bringing others to the Master’s fold.1
Turn to HIM for strength and comfort
Whilst it is important to take exams seriously, sadly, I have watched many young Christians experience health issues as a result of exam related stress. I have known individuals who have experienced fainting, insomnia, migraines and vomiting, and have read of more serious cases where young people have suffered depression or self harmed. Last year, Childline shared that between May 2014 and May 2015 they saw a 200% increase in youths mentioning the issue of stress during counselling sessions.2 With every passing year I see expectations of young people being raised in schools and a constant drive for better results.
When we are under severe pressure the most obvious source of comfort is often overlooked. Make time to pray to God and turn to His word for comfort. “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Everything is in HIS plan
Know that no matter whether you get an A* or an E, God has promised in Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
I was devastated in August 2010 when I got a C in my A Level Government and Politics exam instead of my predicted B. I crashed my car the night before the exam and that morning was a complete blur. Subsequently, I was not accepted to the course I applied for. God closed that door and opened one to Post Primary Religious Studies teaching. Six years later I am so thankful for how God was able to use this experience to carry out his plan for me; I would have missed out on many opportunities to serve Him in working with teens and young adults.
Give HIM the glory
Remember to give back the glory to HIM that gave you the strength. When everyone is telling you how well you did and how hard you worked, use the opportunity to bring God glory. Thank God and truly worship Him.
Never let pride take over, and equally, never become bitter depending on results. “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).
1. Stalter, cited in De Haan, D. (1994) Our Job Description, available at: http://odb.org/1994/07/25/our-job-description/
2. Childline (2015) Surge in young people seeking help for exam stress, The Guardian
