Did you apply for a leadership position at your college and not get it? Has this happened multiple times? Are you starting to wonder if you will ever be valued at your college? When you apply for a leadership role on a Christian college campus, you pour yourself into these applications, and when you do not receive the position, it can leave you feeling rejected, pained, and confused. It can cause you to question your value, worth, and can even cause you to think that your campus values a certain sort of person over another. I want to give a counterattack to these thoughts: "Don't mistake value for popularity."
First, a little background on Christian college campuses in general. On other university and college campuses, the Resident Assistant is seen as a job and a way to get free room and board. On Christian college campuses, it often becomes more of a “Spiritual Leader" position. And this transformation of roles is not only a characteristic of the RA position, but of others as well. On Wheaton’s campus, these roles are known as Community Life Council (CLC), Upper-Class Council (UCC), and Diakonoi (Dekes). These are all amazing, worthwhile, and exciting positions that Wheaton students are invited to apply for.
Another aspect of Christian college campuses is that the majority of people crave to be in a position of leadership or service. The reasons can vary from craving popularity or recognition to a real desire to serve, or even a mix of these. I believe that the entire process of applying for the aforementioned positions causes a lot of growth in people on campus, but it can cause pain in the midst of that.
A lot of freshmen are hearing the results of UCC, CLC, and Diakonoi applications. This is both a disappointing and exhilarating time of year. If you get that leadership role, that is great! You are in for an exciting year of service and growth. But if you did not get it, that does not mean you will not be able to grow or serve, too! You may not have gotten the most popular and recognized roles on campus, but does that mean you will not have as high a value as the ones in that role?
Since we are all people with pride, a good reminder for people on both sides of the application responses is Romans 12:3.
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
Where do you think your value is found? Merriam-Webster defines value as “Relative worth, utility, or importance.” The key word that I agree with this definition (and pretty much the only word I agree with) is worth. Where is your worth found? Matthew 10:29-31 reminds us who defines our value.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
So, Christ values you, and your worth is found first in Him. It is not found by being a member of the most coveted leadership roles on campus. Your worth is so great, that you can contribute in amazing ways to other things on campus. If it is not Dekes, CLC, UCC, or RA, there are so many other ways to serve. Go out and use the worth you already have and serve others.
What about the popularity aspect of it? Merriam-Webster defines popular as “Frequently encountered or widely accepted.” Again, the key words I agree with (as opposed to the other ones) are “frequently encountered.” The fact that people are more frequently encountered could be because a person is more inherently talkative and outgoing, or good-looking. Their inherent worth is also found in Christ and He could be using their outgoing and talkative personality for His glory! But remember that someone being more frequently encountered does not mean they are worth more than others.
If you are struggling to find a place to serve, my advice is to go find a need and fill that need. Whether or not you are popular, a Deke, or anything else, just go out and serve. Remember that the type of person could be a much better fit for a certain position not that you could not do the same tasks, but they could be a better fit. There are needs on your campus, and even though they may not be the glamorous or popular roles, they are worthy causes and you can use your unique talents and gifts to the glory of God, and the uplifting of people who are struggling. God is faithful, and if you have a desire to serve, it is for a reason and He will not leave it unfulfilled if you ask Him to show you the way. Remember His faithfulness, and remember to what we are striving.
“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:5-9
If you are currently still looking for something you can find some opportunities on campus here.
