Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.
Paul is encouraging the church in Corinth to finish the work. Finish the work? If only it were that easy! As the semester draws to a close, the pressure of finishing assignments is heavy. Reading Paul say, “Now finish the job as well so that you finish it with as much enthusiasm as you started!” may cause you to say profanities — a frequent problem for many reading Paul’s letters!
But Paul encourages us to finish the work “as we can afford,” which can also be translated as “according to your means” or even “what you have left.” Seemingly mirroring themes from Mark 12:41-44 where Jesus praises a woman with only two coins to offer, Paul writes, “A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can’t afford, if it’s apparent that it’s done willingly.” So do not be afraid! We can imagine Paul would affirm that students are at this point exhausted, and while not every essay or project or study session will live up to our ideal, our best effort is something worthy to offer. Wanting perfection is so often the biggest enemy to completion.
Pray
God of Vast Knowledge, help us to find the conditions to give our best effort: a quiet study space, a silenced phone, a Pomodoro timer, whatever will enable us to give what we have left. Guide us to remember finals are not a reflection of our inherent worth as people. Help us to find rest, outside time, and nourishment to empower us. Enable us to let go of perfection and lock in to give what we have. Amen.
Rosa Ross
Campus Ministry Fellow, UKirk Ewing
Alum, Marshall UKIRK
Words for Waiting 