College is a time in life that cannot be experienced again. When else will you be surrounded by hundreds and thousands of people the same age as you, all in a very similar situation? It’s a wonderful time. College is the place for discovery: of friends, experiences, success and above all: of yourself. There’s also one more thing that we discover in college: independence. And a lot of it. People handle this new-found freedom in many ways, but how can we, as Christians, live an independent life while still being dependent on God?
If you’re like me, high school may not have been the best years of your life. Coming to college opened doors to amazing new friends and experiences, and it allowed me to open my true heart and personality to the world. And I was terrified that this new-found confidence and sense of belonging would leave me. And that is probably the biggest misconception a Christian, or anyone, could have.
As humans, we feel an actual need and desire to be wanted, to be liked. But what we fail to remember sometimes is that the only place we need to belong is with God. It’s true that He placed us all here together because we were not meant to make this spiritual journey alone. However, it is also true that when we are together, we are meant to glorify Him together more than we could individually. And this concept is not always easy as a college Christian.
The path of faith is a narrow one, friends. And at times it can feel like a lonely one, too, especially in college. Wouldn’t it just be easier to go to that fraternity party that everyone’s been talking about? Wouldn’t it be easier to rely on that red cup to solve your problems? Simply, put: yes. Yes, it would be “easier.” But God does not call us to live life easily. He calls us to live it boldly, strongly, and unashamedly.
Look, I get it. Temptation exists. It’s all around us in college. It disguises itself to be harmless; friends, boyfriends and girlfriends, movies, social media. Temptation is so ready to welcome you that it’s hard not to walk through its open door. It promises to fill any emptiness you feel. Perhaps through alcohol, or sex, or profanity. But friends, none of those things can fill that place in your heart. There’s a reason that many college students keep going back to the parties, to the drinks, to the drugs. Because it doesn’t fill us. Only God can fill us.
I want you to notice how I’m saying “us” instead of “them.” We are all sinners. Telling a lie and illegally drinking underage is the same in God’s eyes. Sin is sin. Though I compel you to keep to your narrow path, I also urge you to welcome others onto it. Do not make passing judgments on your fellow college students, because you don’t know their hearts. Only God does. I hope by now you recognize how difficult it can be to rise above temptation in college. And if so, then you also must realize that not everyone knows Jesus like you do. Though you stand outside a beckoning door, many others are running inside because it is the only door they see is open. Do not allow them to think this is true. Show them that God’s loving arms are always open for them. Do this with love and grace, and without judgement.
Though college is a beautiful, special time, it is also the time where that narrow path of faith becomes even narrower. My friend, if you’ve made mistakes- whatever they may be- it’s alright. Don’t think that God loves you less or will claim not to know you. He loves you. He wants you. Give any transgressions or guilt to him and He will throw them all away. Use the past as a learning experience and grow from it.
Enjoy your time in college. Though you may face trials and temptation, it really can be a wonderful time. I want to leave you with a verse in 1 Timothy 4:12- “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
