College Edition: Choosing and Wisdom

devo1Can you believe it’s summer already? I’m positive you are all glad for a break from school—unless you are involved in summer studies or college prep! We will focus on Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 during the month of July: “…Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh…fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” That passage is very fitting for our theme, “Pierce my heart: college edition!” If you are preparing to head to college this fall or sometime soon, I pray this devotional will be helpful to you. If you are still in middle or high school, I hope it can still be a reminder of how important it is to keep God where He belongs—in the driver’s seat of our lives.

Choosing a School

To attend college is a huge blessing! Those of you who are readying to enter this stage of your lives should realize that there are so many people who want to go to college, but cannot for various reasons. College is a wonderful opportunity to grow in Christ, meet other Christians, study new and enthralling subjects, and get involved in good, wholesome activities.

Public colleges and universities are likely to have the same type of people and ideas as a public high school. But now you are on your own, and the temptations call for a more mature person to handle them. This is not to say a Christian cannot overcome the temptations in these schools. There are plenty of good public or state schools that have church student centers. I have Christian friends who enjoy these as good places to learn about nearby congregations, as well as find other Christians with whom they can build strong relationships!

Christian universities, on the other hand, are wonderful in their own special way! Although they are sometimes pricier, numerous Christians relate to me that the experience is well worth the money if the school is reputable and grounded in God’s Word. Some schools may have the title “Christian,” but do not teach the Truth. Please carefully research the “Christian schools” to find one that will allow you to become stronger in your faith and love for God and His Word. If you have a desire (and the money or scholarships) to attend a Christian school, I commend you in that!

Lastly in choosing, it is always a must to visit the school you are interested in. Explore the campus and ask questions to those escorting you around. More importantly, pray about choosing the right place! Always keep in mind the comforting passage in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

devo2Wisdom from Women

For this devotional, I wanted to get firsthand information about college experiences from wise Christian ladies in my life. I asked a few different questions, and these are the real and true replies of Christian women:

1. How did you/are you staying close to God in college/while you were in college?

  • Good, strong Christian friends and/or roommates; being around like-minded people.
  • Going to worship, singings, retreats, campus devotionals, and other activities of fellowship and worship.
  • Personal Bible study and prayer.
  • Developing my own faith–not being a Christian just because it’s what my parents taught.

2. What was/is the hardest part about college?

  • Not making a habit of skipping services because parents are not there to tell you otherwise.
  • Making time to study the Bible amid all the schoolwork and activities.
  • Projects and due dates all piling up at once.
  • Having to study really hard for classes.
  • Being away from family.

3. Any more advice or extra comments to Christian girls about to enter college?

  • Be devoted to God.
  • Don’t give up on your faith!
  • Be convicted and passionate in what you say and do, because people are watching and you are making impressions for God.
  • Pull through exam weeks with friends to help you.
  • Don’t leave God out–never let anything get in the way of keeping Him first.
  • Make a game plan before leaving home to keep your faith strong and stay close to God; pray for His help, and stick to it!

I encourage you to speak with the Christian ladies you know about their experiences. Take their advice to heart, and thank God for them!

Coming Up

We’ll soon discuss having a purpose in college, and preparing ourselves for the ride, so stay tuned!

By Hannah Smith

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