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Off to College: 10 Strategies for Beating Temptations
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Written by Tamie Vervoorn
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--The next chapter of life for college students might be the best yet: learning new things, making new friends, finding new freedom. But college -- whether Christian or secular -- also guarantees something else: new temptations.
The September-October issue of Go! magazine, the North American Mission Board's bimonthly magazine for students, offers strategies for dealing with 10 of the most popular temptations -- armed with the same Word of God used by Jesus when confronted by Satan in the wilderness.
Temptation 1: Letting your relationship with God slide
During your first months at college, you might feel overwhelmed with your classes (this ain't high school, baby!) and all the activities going on around you. You'll have sporting events to attend, roommates to get to know, midnight coffee (or ice cream or taco) runs. It will be easy for God to get squeezed out of your schedule.
Strategy: Make an appointment
College is definitely not the time to drift away from Jesus. The key is to set aside time each day to talk to God and dig into His Word. Stick to that appointment! Think of it as your most important class of the day -- and pay attention to what your Teacher has to say.
The Word: Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.'"
Temptation 2: Doubting your faith
Too many Christian teens ride into college on their parents' faith. When challenged by intelligent and reasonable sounding but unbelieving professors and students, they're more likely to shrug off their faith because they don't own it, or harbor doubts without really looking for the answers.
Strategy: Ask the right people the hard questions
There are answers to the tough questions about what we believe. Dig in for yourself. Get to know the specifics of your faith. Ask wise and trusted Christians about your doubts and questions before you go to college, if possible. With their help, you will be able to boldly defend your faith when others challenge you. When you get to college, be sure to hook up with a solid local church where you can find community, biblical teaching, wise counsel and accountability.
The Word: 1 Peter 3:14-15, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'"
Temptation 3: Buying into the "no moral absolutes" lie
If you go to a secular university you will be told, in one way or another, that most worldviews, philosophies and religions are equally good. Nothing can be known for sure. "If it works for you, go for it!" Your profs and peers might try to make you feel silly about believing that Jesus is the only way to God. You might want to fudge your beliefs just a little to be accepted...
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Off to College: 10 Strategies for Beating Temptations
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