Believe it or not, amid all of the busyness and stress of my schedule, I've actually had a few things on my mind that weren't simply implanted by professors or class discussions. Even I have trouble imagining how I can have any kind of original thoughts in the midst of merely trying to manage my day.
Anyways, the thought came across my mind the other day as to whether academia simply wants be to be a receptacle of knowledge and intellection, or if it actually intends for me to be a steward of the knowledge I already have. See, as much as I enjoy academia and all that it has to offer, I can't help but think that it's all ultimately very circular. Is the system really working if the best and brightest only go on to further contribute to the system, and few if any ever really do anything with the knowledge they've so richly invested in?
Is a church really doing it's job if congregants just keep coming back week after week for some more good preachin'?
Perhaps it's because I'm discovering a niche and passion I have for recovery ministry and helping those who have fallen prey to addiction, but I'm increasingly having a difficult time seeing myself pursuing further education without actually doing something with what I've already been given. Maybe this is the parable of the talents playing out in my own life, I'm not sure... but I do know that I would be doing a disservice to myself if I pursued a graduate education (which I do hope to accomplish sometime in my life) before I could say that I've been faithful with the knowledge and guidance that I already have. I don't want to be the guy with a master's degree who writes books that only other ministry students will read, my ministry cannot only be to ministers, because that too would be a circular system.
There's always more to learn, and there's always more preparation that can be be done, but at what point do I step out on faith into the mission field, and rely fully on the guidance of this mysterious Creator and Redeemer of the world who I've come to know (sort of) and love?
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