People these days look at my generation of Christians and are usually disappointed in our life choices, but they shouldn't be. People see us joining Greek life and going to these huge state schools, also known as "party" schools, and automatically they assume we are giving up our relationship with Christ. Sometimes I wonder if they ever start to think if these choices strengthen our relationship with the Lord rather than weaken it? It didn't take long for me to realize that joining Greek life and going to the big school was a choice that would help me grow closer to Christ. The college you choose is not the reason your relationship with Christ slowly dies; it is your choice not to keep it alive. I started loving Jesus more because I wanted and needed to. All throughout the Bible, Jesus talks about sowing seeds and the harvest. If you plant a seed in fertile ground it will grow. It doesn't matter if that seed is planted in the Christian college or the "party" college, all that seed needs is the love and support of fellow believers to grow.
In my first semester and even now there were a few verses I clung to. These verses really helped me realize that God is good all the time and in all places. Even when life gets rough, friends fail you, and finals become too much God is always there and always faithful. We are all more than capable of loving the Lord more even in the darkest places.
1. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6
2. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5
3. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
4. "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." 1 John 4:16
5. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:8-10
6. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
7. "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
8. "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17
9. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
10. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
