If you are preparing for college you are about ready to make a considerable investment of time, money and effort for…for what? You want an education, for sure. Beyond that you want a degree, and probably a good job. But let’s be honest. What you really want is a life. And guess what? Life is something only God can give you.
If you are a Christ-follower then you know that eternal life starts right here. Right now. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to start living the way Jesus wants you to live. In fact, your time at college can be a huge distraction from the path that God has set out for you. Once you enroll at a college or university there is enormous pressure to “make the grade” and it can take a real toll on your relationship with God.
Which is going to come first in your life? Jesus? Or your studies? Here’s something I’d like you to consider…start putting Jesus first, right now, before you’ve chosen your college. When you start doing your research, when you send out your applications, and finally when you make your selection ask yourself this question “will this school strengthen my relationship with God, or will it threaten it?”
I can tell you right now that the most valuable part of my college career was the time that I spent with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t find myself using something that I learned from my time with that body of believers. I learned how to study Scripture, how to make time with God, how to talk with others about God. I also picked up practical theology, apologetics, anthropology, group dynamics, leadership, public relations, community organizing…the list goes on.
The best thing you can do for yourself as you prepare for college is to get in touch with a solid group of believers on campus. And that’s what this site is about. Here’s a place where you can find contact information for Christian organizations at schools you are interested in. Discover what these people are doing, get a sense of whether you would fit in with them. Pray about your decision. Go where Christ leads you.
Blessings on the path ahead,
Phil Houtz
