These days, much has changed in the broader church. People do not view the pastor as a student of Scripture but as the CEO of the church, an administrator, or a manager.

So regardless of your place in life, whether you have no degrees or many, never forget that you can always continue to learn. Pick up a book and learn something new.

As you consider the Old Testament, do not press the narratives into the service of application apart from Christ. First consider how Christ is organically connected to the text. How does the New Testament authoritatively explain the particular Old Testament text before you?

What compounding interest will you leave for your family for generations to come? A good work ethic? Integrity? Truth at all costs? These are all good and noble things. Invest broadly and especially in the gospel of Christ. Plant the seeds of the gospel, in word, thought, and deed, that will yield a bountiful harvest for generations to come. Reap the benefits of compounding interest.

So, focus, rigor, and the warrior mindset, are just three things to consider in your life as a student. How many hours will you invest in your grand educational adventure? How many books will you read? How many classes will you attend? If you’re investing a large chunk of your life in this adventure, you should give serious thought to plotting a course, weighing the intellectual cost, and committing to doing it well.

But being the hunter isn’t just about envisioning success—you need a positive attitude and a diligent work ethic. If you wait until the last minute to write the paper or study for the exam, then yes, you will be the hunted—you are the prey. You have put yourself in the position of letting the exam or paper have the upper hand. You have come to the fight ill prepared.

Churches should seriously consider purchasing key theological works so members of the church can be exposed to great theological resources. Books like Calvin’s Institutes, Turretin’s Institutes, Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, introductions to the Old and New Testaments, sets of commentaries and the like should line the shelves.

When I was a kid I had a number of heroes—people I looked up to, admired, and wanted to emulate. I wanted to have the calm and cool mind of Joe Montana, who could run the two-minute drill without breaking a sweat.

When I write and highlight in my books, I’m not just reading—I’m carrying on a conversation, a dialogue, with the author. I highlight important points. I often write descriptive comments in the margin to remind me what the author was discussing, but I also often carry on discussions and ask questions. All this amounts, not merely to reading the material, but digesting it.

Wherever you go to school, ensure you’re connected to a solid church that bears the three marks: preaching of the word, administration of the sacraments, and the administration of discipline. What will it profit you to gain a world of academic achievement, and the job of your choice, at the expense of your spiritual well being, and maybe even your soul?