At a deeper level the changing university scene is causing great changes not only in student lifestyle but also in student values. Let the promise inProverbs 3:5-6 encourage your heart: Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. Site Policy & Cookies Contact us, https://www.bethinking.org/your-studies/being-a-christian-in-todays-student-culture. Seek godly mentors who are older than you and have real-world experience. Surviving the challenges, pressures, and unbiblical teachings Id encounter on campus would require that Id packed something elsenot in my boxes, but in my heart. Please visit http://leadershipandsoftskills.com/ for free leadership development resources and information on his book entitled, Empowering Young Christians: Developing Bible-Based Leadership and Soft Skills., Copyright 1996-2020 The Center For New Discoveries In Learning, Inc. / This website has two registered trademarks. Exhibit 1. In this article, Wayne Jackson provides some very practical suggestions. In summary, as a Christian college student, you are divinely empowered to succeed. Privacy Policy and A good standard of Bible reading time is ten to twenty minutes a day. And you can understand why. God is love, and if we want to show Him to our students, we must also love them - all of them. Dont shy away from doubts or questions on todays issues (sexuality, gender, biblical authority, etc. Dont spend all your time obsessing over finding a significant other; this could drive you into a bad relationship or keep you from enjoying your life. Take a year or two at a community school. Hedonism - the pursuit of pleasure - and narcissism - the love of self - are great ways of covering up and avoiding the big questions by feeling good or by pursuing things that will might you feel good in the future. These biblical truths offer all-around encouragement for the journey: There you have it: 28 truths from Gods Word to pack in your heart for the new school year. You can also sign up for our free print newsletter (US only). Thus it is prudent to seek help from devout and informed Christians in the type of books to purchase. Similarly, check in regularly with your academic advisor. Make a commitment to pray and read your Bible daily. Building an Effective Youth Ministry In this way, we can be sure God is working through us to reach someone whose heart is ready to receive the Truth. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If, for example, the student is going to study the Gospel of Matthew, he should read an article from a good study tool on this topic. Let the Lord speak to you through his inspired revelation. That is what love your neighbor as yourself means. Kevin serves as Product Manager for Open the Bible for Leaders. Holding fast to Gods truth often means standing against the tide of culture. Reduce your costs by getting creative: I had at least seven on-campus jobs in college: I worked in the call center, served as an RA, worked in the dining commons, and even made decent money as the dorm garbage man. 1) Renew your mind. In the majority of places the need to compete with other institutions has seen dramatic rises in the cost of student hall accommodation, shorter terms to allow colleges to draw in lucrative conference business, lectures that happen erratically and often late into the night to allow for part-time staff and in many places an almost total loss of the social side of university life. Best 5 Success Tips for Christian College Students Christian schools remind students that there is a loving and good God who creates and upholds the universe and calls students, his human creatures, to live in and restore to goodness what is broken. Relativism with respect to truth (the idea that nothing is true for everyone and different people have different truths to live by) is a widely held idea. "How do you know your feelings aren't playing you false," I asked. The second commandment is like it. Professor David Murray calls being teachable The Most-Essential Life Skill for good reason: so much flows from this simple trait. Sure, they may not be as cool as your peers, but they can help think long-term. That may sound crazy, but its 100% biblical: You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). In all your ways [every one of them every hour, every minute] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. So turn every hour to God afresh. 5 Essential Ways to Live Christian Values at School Ask for clarification of class material and get help on assignments during office hours. You will benefit greatly by connecting with a Christian mentor who can give you faith-based advice. But when we get outside the church, everything changes and we're all of a sudden in the minority, or at least we feel like it. Be a good listener. John 6:68: Simon Peter answered [Jesus], Lord, to whom shall we go? Turn to him afresh and pray, pray, pray for his supply of strength and wisdom and grace to do everything you do. Colossians 4:2: Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Step 3 helped a lot. by Cary J. Students need to understand that leaders oftentimes have to make difficult and unpopular decisions, and warmth is essential in those challenging moments. And my bright green desk chair. WebChristian education explores Gods hope for his world framed in the context of the story of creation, fall, and redemption leading to restoration. Thats why spiritual transformation comes through meditating on Gods Word (Psalm 1). Seven Tips for College Students | Desiring God While the verses listed here happen to come from the New Testament, the Old Testament is indispensable for students to study and pack into their hearts as well. When Art Lewis recited Matthew 6:2533, that was paradigm-changing in my life. If you are just talking at a person, its kind of disrespectful of them. It would be well to have a general sense of the historical framework of the Scriptures. In short many are attracted almost under false pretences. Keep reading for how to stay devoted to Christ no matter where you are, and how to grow in Christ. Finally, they forge connections that contribute to academic success and spiritual growth. You will need strength to handle increasing academic demands, to balance work and class schedules, and to cope with the stresses encountered by many college students. Universities are changing fast. To generalise, in newer universities relativism seems to arise as the currency of student life simply out of the huge multi-cultural mix found there and lack of any serious thinking on the subject among students. Characteristics of a Christian Athlete Which means that we can have the utmost confidence as we pray and work for the Lord in universities and colleges, as Christian Union members, leaders, staff and relay workers, praying friends and churches that the work is not and cannot be in vain. % of people told us that this article helped them. Your donation gift(s) are very much appreciated and may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Understand that you likely will encounter struggles during your college career. The best teachers are strict, have high personal interaction with students, and believe in their students ability to achieve. Reliance on Gods strength is especially important as you encounter new challenges in college. Theres no way to overstate the importance of filling up with Gods Word, both before college begins and every single day afterward. The longer one refreshes himself or herself with the gems of scripture, the more he will be inclined to echo the sentiments of the ancient patriarch: I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12b). Being a witness for Christ at school is a wonderful goal for students. Kevin is the author of When Prayer is a Struggle: A Practical Guide for Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer (P&R) and the free companion course Pray the Bible. A good student will recognize the value of a few sound reference tools to assist him in his pursuit of biblical knowledge. Last Updated: May 6, 2021 70 Best Christian Colleges & Universities - College / Higher David said it best in Psalm 119:11 (ESV): I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.. 28 Scriptures to Encourage Christian Students - Answers 28 Scriptures to Encourage Christian Students. Make sure you genuinely care about people, when you witness. One student told me that most people at her place of study start with feelings of insecurity and inferiority because over 95% come through the universities clearing system having failed to achieve the A-level grades they wanted. Whether or not you get hurt the first time, the Lord has a good plan (forgiveness, with responsibility, the power of The Holy Spirit, the blessings of His love and grace with consequences). Be serious about your studies and future career prospects. Let me make something perfectly clear: Thats okay. Going to a campus ministry or attending a Christian school can be great for your faith, but they are not enough (seeHebrews 10:24-25). I know people who went back to school after graduating because they couldnt get a job with their major, or they hated the job they did get. God doesnt have grandchildren. Join a Bible study and get involved in other Christian programs. When possible, make plans to travel there to see the culture firsthand and interact with the people you hope to minister to. Two major points of contact are, paradoxically, the exact points where relativism seems to place a lot of stress: the importance of relationships and the question of values. Many will say that it means reading your Bible daily, praying at least twice a day, serving at church, tithing, supporting Of course it often isn't, but that isn't how most people see it. This article is taken from Marcus Honeysett's website (CSR) and is reproduced here by his kind permission. And oh, the effect it had on me! Loving your neighbor as you love yourself doesnt start after college. 20 Tips for the Christian College Student | Open the Bible In the meantime, know that while your parents may not agree with your beliefs, they still love you, and God loves you all. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,341 times. Terms of Service apply. If you struggle with drinking,sexual issues or pornography, gluttony, laziness, drugs, or anything else, put it to death (Romans 8:13). Understand why he died and was raised from the dead. Don't take out your. That means your parents faith (if your parents are believers) needs to become your own and that doesnt just happen at a Christian school. But remember to watch the warning signs before you cross the road. When we model such friendships and tell people the gospel through such relationships we show people that the answer to superficiality is the God who reconciles us to Himself through the substitutionary death of His Son and that our relationships with each other are based on His relationship with us. Life is responsible membership in a local church relating to people of all kinds and all ages. Philippians 4:67: [Do] not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. If you appreciate the resources brought to you by bethinking.org, please consider a gift to help keep this website running. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:9). Learn What the Bible Says About Mentoring Read 1 Thessalonians. One should approach the Bible with confidence, recognizing that it was designed for mans welfare. Effective Bible Study An Urgent Need For Everyone, How to Read the Book: Nine Rules for Effective Bible Reading, The Holy Spirit Illumination Theory: A Critical Review, The English Standard Version Study Bible A Review. Since then I have grown more confident in my faith and. The effect on students, however, is to leave many feeling highly undervalued and wondering if anyone actually cares about them. The Supreme Court Friday ruled in favor of a Christian web designer in Colorado who refuses to create websites to celebrate same-sex weddings out of religious If youre the second person, dont stay up till 3am binge-watching TV and complain about being tired or busy the next day. Doing so will increase your academic understanding and will allow you to build a network of faculty who can recommend you for scholarships, awards, internships, and jobs. You are serving the Lord Christ. Romans 1:20: For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. He is author of. Have a conversation. So was my guitar. Working unto the Lord ensures that your academic record represents your ability rather than your effort and gives you an advantage over effort-limited students. Many claim to follow Christ, but live as the world lives. Rather college is seen by more and more as a ticket to a more profitable future. Further, your advisor can connect you with opportunities for scholarships and awards. Learn to think like an adult, separating truth from emotion. Christian friendships will keep you Christ-centered and make college more enjoyable. Listen to good music, and avoid any inappropriate videos. Things which must be believed because they are true. And in many places nobody does. Wrong! One must have confidence in the integrity of the Scriptures or else he will have little interest in pursuing biblical studies with any degree of intensity. Are they good influences? In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Through Bible reading, prayer, and a heartfelt devotion to God, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, which is a prerequisite for being a better witness for Jesus. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. God has spoken. I personally know of eight people who dropped out of a class of sixteen when studying postmodern ideas of value because they didn't like or could not cope with the answers.

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