In college, it’s difficult being a Christian. Living in an incredibly worldly environment, we are surrounded by a number of bad influences. ProEspecially influential is the presiding air of hostility in academia against religious ideals. Such hostility does not necessarily come from what is taught, but the attitude of the faculty and students around you.
Such hostility encompasses many ideas about morality and the treatment of our neighbors and ourselves. For example, sexual promiscuity is encouraged. Even our own ASUI President Max Cowan encouraged such liberalities, determining that college students having sex is just natural — just get consent and you’re fine. Students aren’t encouraged to wait for marriage, and that doesn’t help Christians or others who might be encountering sexual temptations.
These influences can confuse us, lead us to doubt and despair, and ultimately remove us from a faithful path. Thus, we get Christians who teeter on the teachings of Christ and fall into the world’s temptations. Their faith becomes lukewarm, and they turn from scripture with a false understanding of faith, love and peace.
To avoid this, what we as Christians need to do is keep to the Bible. With the help of Christ, we need to remain fervent in the faith and not waver like reeds in the wind. The world never remains stable, but the Bible is firm and will always help us to stand.
Martin Luther, who led the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, wrote perfectly in this regard.
“Cling to Christ’s neck, or hold on to his clothes. This means believing that Jesus became a man and suffered for you,” Luther wrote. “Make the sign of the cross and say, ‘I am a Christian, and I will prevail’.”
We should not hesitate to latch onto Christ’s teaching, as his teaching will guide us.
What will help us remain faithful to Christ?
Always reading the Scriptures.We should not let a day pass without reading passages out of the Bible and praying.Prayer is something we tend to shove aside, especially as our lives get busier and busier with school, work and social lives. Neglecting to pray is harmful to us.
“Prayer is our comfort, strength, and salvation,” Luther said. “It’s our first line of defense against all of our enemies.”
Attend church services regularly. The liturgy, sacraments and fellowship are absolutely needed to help maintain your faith. Utilize what churches you have on campus or in Moscow.
Know that you are not alone. It’s harrowing to think that like-minded people are few and far between, especially when you’re not around your family. Fortunately, in Christ we are not. God still provides.
Andrew Jenson can be reached at [email protected]