A Husband, A Wife, and Two Doctors!

Last week, our daughter Joanna received her Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology. After five years of study, she was hooded and given her diploma. And now this week, the same is taking place for Joanna’s husband Daniel as he receives his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. So, by the end of this week they will officially be, Dr. and Dr. Zakzewski!  They are now a husband, a wife, and two doctors! 

What’s most amazing to me is that they began their degree work at the same time and have finished at the same time—and at two different schools. Unlike many other students who hope to finish their doctoral work in five years, but often spend at least another year working on their dissertations, Joanna and Daniel each completed their degree work within the five years originally planned. (And part way through their first year, were married!) It’s not too often that a married couple both begins their doctoral work at the same time and completes it at the same time.  But here they are with degrees in-hand and the rest of life ahead of them.  I guess that’s what happens when one is focused on a goal, determined to reach that goal, and willing to put in a lot of hard work.  

I think you would agree that for any of us to achieve anything of value requires focus, determination, and lots of hard work. That’s true for our physical lives—i.e., education, careers, athletic pursuits, etc.  And  it’s true for our spiritual lives. Thus, I would propose that we who are followers of Jesus need to make sure that we are focused, determined, and putting forth the effort needed to grow our spiritual live, that we might experience spiritual maturity, bear good fruit for the Kingdom of God, and grow in our faith and knowledge of our Savior.

The Apostle Peter tells us that we ought to, “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18 – NIV) Paul wrote of, “…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God….” (Colossians 1:10)  James wrote, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4) 

Finally, the Apostle Paul wrote, “…I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12, 14) 

As wonderful as it is to pursue and achieve the good things that life can bring our way, I want to encourage you to pursue your relationship with Christ and his end goal for your life—i.e., heaven—with all that is within you. It will take focus, determination, and lots of effort, but in the end it will be well worth it as you receive your heavenly diploma with the highest words of commendation written on it: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  

Have a great day!

- Pastor Tim Harris