Academics vs Faith

A few weeks ago, I was looking through some personal documents; and of course, I started reading things that were irrelevant to what I was searching for. One of the things that I came across was my High School year 10,11 and 12 subject final marks.

I’ve never been what some people would call “school smart”, but it did give me a surprise to see that my lowest grade was in fact ‘studies of religion’. “How the tables have turned”, I thought to myself when seeing this academic transcript. Religion was interesting enough for me back in high school, so it wasn’t that I didn’t make an effort to study.

I suppose, looking back on it, maybe it wasn’t that I was bad at religion studies and now I’m somewhat good; I believe it’s the fact that exams and school testings don’t aim to recognise the ability that lives deep within someone. Common knowledge – I know; but I think it’s important to remember that academic grades do not and should not reflect someone’s faith or relationship with Jesus.

Many saints throughout history were illiterate (meaning, they weren’t able to read or write). John Vianney has an incredible story as he struggled a great deal through seminary, trying to pass his exams. John Vianney struggled so much that he was almost kicked out as he wasn’t keeping up. The amazing thing is that John Vianney was a very holy man, and people recognised that of him. It is said that people flocked to his little parish in Ars in France. John Vianney is remembered by his powerful and thought-provoking sermons, which weren’t all sugar-coated. Despite his previous struggles in seminary, he became one of the most popular priests in France at that time. Now he is Saint John Vianney, patron saint of the priesthood.

Imagine if we lived in a dystopia where you had to enter the skill area that was reflected on your academic transcript. I wonder if many of you who are reading this would be in the same career path if that was the case. I know I wouldn’t be.

I believe God doesn’t see a difference if we are academically smart or not, because what truly matters in faith is our relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have no ability other than to know and love God, then I trust that God will give you a massive reward when the time is right.

Yes, it would be nice to have cool professional sounding titles in front of your name such as ‘Dr.’ or ‘Hon.’ But when we die, what will all of it achieve?

One of my favourite quotes is from St Bonaventure. In his famous words he says,

If you learn everything except Christ, you learn nothing. If you learn nothing except Christ, you learn everything.

This world, and the life that we are living is only temporary. Everything except our faith in God and good works will disappear. I guess what I’m saying is, if you discouraged about your marks at school or college, or if you worked hard but aren’t succeeding in your career as much as you hoped, remember that there is so much more to life than just good grades or career success. If you have faith in Jesus and trust Him, He will give you what you need to succeed in your relationship with Him.