Being a Christian student attending a secular college depends on how you look at it. It can be one big temptation or an opportunity.
College is a place where your faith is tested. You can give into temptation to drink and party or you can stand strong in what you believe.
I chose to stand strong. When I entered college my faith grew. I really dug into God’s Word. I felt that being away from home in a new setting and without my family, friends and church members, the only constant in my life was God. Colossians 3:12-17 states the essence of what it means.
As a Christian on a non-Christian campus, I notice people are watching me and waiting for me to mess up, to do something wrong. So as Paul is writing, he is telling God’s chosen to be kind, gentle, patient, forgive one another, and above all LOVE.
On campus, these are some of the top qualities. In everything I do I have two choices: to do right or to do wrong. Be nice or mean; forgive or not forgive.
Witnessing is a huge thing on a non-Christian campus. Most people don’t want to be preached at, so you have to use your life and your love to reach them. That equates to going the extra mile for someone.
Stacy is a third year student at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. She is an active member of Salem United Methodist Church in Westminster, Maryland and is active in the Youth For Christ Crusades. She directs Vacation Bible School during summer vacations as well as works with youth camps.