College Age
The college-age years can be some of the most important years spiritually. For the first time, a young adult is making decisions without a parent standing beside him or her. Beliefs will be challenged, sometimes in the classroom and sometimes by friends. A person needs to know why he or she believes, not just repeat what was taught at home.
What Scripture Says
“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.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8)
Daniel was a young man far from home, surrounded by another culture, and he decided ahead of time what he would and would not do. That decision was made before the pressure came, not in the middle of it.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Practical Advice
Know why you believe. Read the Bible for yourself and be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).
Learn to manage money. Make a simple budget and live on it.
Avoid unnecessary debt. If you must borrow for school, borrow only what you truly need.
Choose your friends carefully. Over time, you will become like the people you spend the most time with.
Take your education or training seriously. Someone is paying for it, even if it is you.
Do not make permanent decisions because of temporary emotions.
Find a church and get involved early, before your schedule fills up without it.
Pray about dating relationships. The person you marry will affect almost every part of the rest of your life. Scripture warns against being unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Learn to tell love from desire. Many young people cannot tell real love from the desire for sex before marriage, and a marriage built on that desire usually ends badly. Everyone is equipped for that part. What you need to watch is how a person responds to hard circumstances and how he or she behaves day after day. That is where the strength of a marriage comes from.
From My Own Life
This part is still being written.
A Question to Think About
What have you already decided you will not do, no matter who is watching?
The lesson for this season: Decide who you are before the world decides it for you.
Go deeper: Class 2 – The Illusion of Belief · Class 19 – Faith That Saves · Book: The Almost Christian