Hey guys,
As it is the start of a new term, we understand many of you have started or returned back to university. As current students, we have firsthand experience of the struggles of balancing faith and the lifestyle that comes with being a university student. The Bible highlights the importance of standing out in the world. Matthew 5:14 reminds us that "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” As the bible verse advises us, we should strive to stand out and be the light and ensure that we do not conform to the standards and norms set out by university - and trust me, we know it is hard.
As we return to university, we thought it would be a good idea to start the term off with a guide on how to navigate our way through uni.
1. Make a habit of spending time with God and His Word -
Create a routine that matches your university schedule and use resources such as Bible plans, devotionals, podcasts to help you create a daily habit.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
2. Study and meditate on the Word of God so you can answer questions about your faith -
People may ask you about what you believe, it is important to engage with your faith so you can help others understand who Christ is.
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15
3. Equip yourself with the Armour of God -
This will allow you to know how to respond and react in times of temptation and peer pressure.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6:13-14
4. Ask questions and keep looking for answers -
Wisdom is highly encouraged in the Bible, we should use all the resources around us to find out more about our faith and we can ask for it in prayer too. We should strive to learn and know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5
5. Find a fellowship -
Attending fellowship helps you stay grounded in your faith as you can find a community that you can relate and be accountable to. Some ideas may be, a local or university church, Christian societies, Bible study groups etc.
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
6. Use your God-given gifts -
We are all gifted in many ways, and once we have discovered our God-given gift, it allows us to discover our purpose and use it to glorify God.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
7. Find friends to do life with -
Having Christian friends is a great way to have good company whilst also growing spiritually. Being around other believers will encourage you to be unapologetic about your faith and allow you to have someone who can pray for you in times of distress.
"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
8. Use the opportunity to grow -
In University, most of us move towards an independent lifestyle, this may push us out of our comfort zone. However, these challenging times have the ability to bring forth fruit in our lives and help us grow spiritually.
“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.” 1 Peter 2:2-3
9. Stay true to yourself -
This tip is easier said than done, especially with peer pressure and different temptations, but try to remain true to who you are. Do not let others and society change you in a way that doesn’t align with the word of God or makes you uncomfortable.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
10. Enjoy yourself! Have FUN!
University is an experience. Don’t let the world make you think that Christianity is limiting. You CAN be a Christian and have fun. Involve yourself with activities, be social and enjoy your introductory years into adulthood.
“Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.” Ecclesiastes 11:9
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