Read Colossians 1: 13-20

• What are some repeated words?  
• What are contrasting words used?  
• List out the things that have been created in the Son  
• How are all things created?  
   

Context & Key Themes  
The "Split Life" problem is the temptation to cut our lives into pieces, serving God 
in our religious practices while serving the idols of the world in our public social 
responsibilities. We often use "two sets of glasses": one for our personal faith and 
another for the "public" world of money, voting, and academic studies. But in this text, it’s clear that Jesus came to rescue us from the dominion of darkness and transfer us into His Kingdom. He refuses to give even one piece of creation away He is Lord of all things, including all of the things we’re studying in our classes.
 

• If Jesus created and currently sustains "all things" (vs 15
  17) including the laws of physics, the complexities of human psychology, and the structures of 
  business—how does that challenge the idea that our studies are "secular" 
  or separate from God’s agenda?   
• If Jesus is before all things and holds all things together, then he is present 
  by his Spirit in and through all things. What do you see in your field of study 
  (or your favorite class) that reflects God’s goodness? What do you see in 
  your field of study is broken or is contrary to God’s good intentions for 
  creation?  
• Since Christ is in the business of "reconciling all things" (v 20), what would it 
  look like for you to act as an "ambassador" or "steward" within your area of 
  study? How does seeing your major as a place for Kingdom service change 
  your motivation for getting good grades or choosing a career path?   

Go and do

The “Two Glasses Inventory” 

On a piece of paper, draw two circles representing your "Sacred" life (church, 
prayer, small group) and your "Secular" life (major, classes, career goals).  

• List the values or "rules" that guide each circle. Where are the two sets of 
  rules in alignment? Where are they different? Where they are different, why 
  are they different?  
• Consider the rules around your “secular” circle. How do they align with 
  Jesus being before all things in this circle and lord over all things in this 
  circle? In light of this, is Jesus inviting you to change any of your rules 
  around this circle?  
• Reflect: Do you pray about your relationships but never your studies? Do 
  you pursue growth in Scripture but never seek "faith integration" in your 
  specific field? Ask God to help you to bring all your circles of life under 
  Christ’s lordship into one life of integrity. 
   

Reflect on what you learned

• Are there any ways you felt God inviting you to integrate your “secular” and 
  “sacred” lives more in the last week? What has that felt like? What did you 
  notice?  
• Are there any actions steps you’ve taken in response?  

Read Romans 12:2

Context & Key Themes  
The "Split Life" problem is the temptation to cut our lives into pieces, serving God 
in our religious practices while serving the idols of the world in our public social 
responsibilities. We often use "two sets of glasses": one for our personal faith and 
another for the "public" world of money, voting, and academic studies.   

The Renewed Mind: We are urged to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and refuse 
to conform to the pattern of this world. Instead, we are to be transformed by 
the renewing of our minds so we can approve God’s perfect will in every arena.   

Our Role: We are image-bearers, stewards, and ambassadors called to use our 
talents in politics, art, medicine, teaching, etc, to the glory of God.   

• We often wear "two sets of glasses": one for our personal faith and another 
  for our public academic life. What "patterns of the world" (Romans 12:2) or 
  specific academic theories in your major currently tempt you to leave your 
  faith at the door of the clas sroom?   
• Since Christ is in the business of "reconciling all things" (v 20), what would it 
  look like for you to act as an "ambassador" or "steward" within your area of 
  study? How does seeing your major as a place for Kingdom service change 
  your motivation for getti ng good grades or choosing a career path?

Go and do

• Find a Community of Practice: Identify one other Christian in your major or a 
  Christian professor. Commit to meeting them to discuss how your field 
  reflects God’s creation.   
• The "Kingdom Paper": For your next major assignment, look for an 
  opportunity to write from a perspective that seeks the "redemption" of that 
  topic rather than just "working the system."   
   

Reflect on what you learned

• What was it like talking or praying with someone else in your academic 
  field? Any new revelations? 
• Are there any ways you feel God inviting you to no longer leave your faith 
  outside of the classroom?  
• What would keep you from deciding today to give your whole life—including your GPA and professional future—to Jesus?