Within our university community, there are some who will be working all of the way through the new year, but the majority of students and faculty are in the final days of a semester and some of our students will graduate in a few days. For the latter group, we are thinking about final things: papers, benchmarks, exams and presentations.

The majority of the books of the New Testament are letters. Many of those letters were written to churches about specific issues and they share an interesting commonality: final thoughts. As we begin to close out our semester, consider some of the following final thoughts gleaned from the books of the New Testament.

Some students have come to GCU this semester and have had eternity-changing experiences. They have been uplifted in chapel, served in the neighborhood, been challenged in their spiritual lives and have been truly changed. Carry that through the semester and return home on break determined to live for Christ there, as well.

If God has begun to mold you in this semester, stand firm in that in a loving attitude. That does not mean acting in a way that is falsely pious, but living in a way that demonstrates God’s love.

It does not matter how large the dorm or the suite or apartment. Relationships can get challenging. Roommates or fellow members of a CLC might have once been your friends, but now you are not so sure. Be part of the reconciliation process.

The books of Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians contain these ideas as the Apostle Paul closes them. Writing as an instructor, I can testify that students are seeking “grace” at this time of the semester, even if it is not exactly Paul’s meaning!  Imagine as students and faculty what it would mean to be filled with God’s grace, love and faith at this time rather than the anxiety and worry that are so often present.

As your semester or degree ends, let us let scripture speak for itself. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8 & 9, English Standard Version).

At GCU, we believe that right doctrine is essential and we are committed to the foundational beliefs that distinguish Christianity from other worldviews. Be sure to check back here each week for a new blog post. To learn more about Grand Canyon University, visit our website or request more information by using the button at the top of the page.