In the midst of making new friends, finding where you fit in, and picking a major it is hard to even imagine having time for quiet time and getting into the word. It is very difficult but also so important. While being surrounded by so many different people, it means so much to know whose you are and how that fits into your life as a young adult. If I am being completely honest with ya’ll, I can definitely say that we have all fallen short, whether in college or not- I know I have. It is a never ending battle between following Jesus and following the patterns of this world. The world and society tells us that college is the time to figure ourselves out and to experiment. They tell us that it is okay to go wild, to party, and to not follow any of the morals our parents have instilled in us.
But Jesus tells us, that we can always find our identity in him, that we will always have adventure through him, and that he will restore our faith and give us grace. Which one sounds better? That is also what is so great about God. We have free will. We have the choice to live the life we want, whether it is the life God intended for us, or the life the world tells us to live. Either way we are clothed in Jesus’ love and grace and he will always be there.
In college, my experience has been that Jesus is seen sort of as a cuss word. Talking about God to many people reminds them of when they were forced to go to church with their parents when they lived at home. Or possibly if they had never heard anything good about Him. Either way it is not talked about. Many moments in my first year of college I thought I found myself completely alone in my faith. The choice to give up or persevere was constantly on my mind.
I think that one of the most important things to do is find community. Find people who encourage you and have Jesus in common with you. They will build you up and keep you accountable. This has been the most amazing part of loving Jesus in college for me. Finding that group of people who you love and that push you to love. A group of people who you can be mission minded with. What could be better than that? My friends have helped me grow and love others so well.
Second, you need to find a ministry. Finding a ministry to grow in and also work out the great commission God has intended for us keeps ya in check. It allows us as Christians to love others and show them what it looks like to love Jesus. To build intentional relationships and to give people a glimpse of Jesus.
There are way more ways to help you to continue to grow in your faith in college. These are just two that I have found completely relevant for me. I am also continuing to learn daily what it means to love Jesus in college. All though we sometimes feel as if we are entirely alone in this world, or in our faith we are so quick to forget that we are never alone. We have the love of Jesus in the form of the Hold Spirit always present. That may sound creepy and crazy to some people, but to me it is extremely comforting. When we fall short, we can fell loved knowing that someone is with us in our lowest pits. And that is what it means to follow Christ in college, to always know you have someone on your side.