Arriving at University for the first time is likely to be both exciting and scary! Being away from home and independent is likely to be a new experience. Being at University brings challenges and opportunities and it is good to think before you go (and continue to consider) how to face the challenges and make the most of the opportunities.
It is likely that you will meet people who are very different from you and who think very differently from you. It may be tempting to either hide away in your room and only attend Church or CU events or to just embrace the way of life you see around you.
Being different
Christians are called to honour God by living holy lives, that are distinct from those around us (see Jesus’ call to be ‘salt and light’ in Matthew 5:13-15). You can be a great witness by living out such a life (carefully avoiding being deliberately judgmental). It is likely to give you opportunities to explain your faith to those around you. As Jesus encourages us, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:16)
There are many ways in which you may stand out as a Christian – the fact that you go to church, that you don’t swear and that you care more about other people. But it is likely that you will be most distinct in your sexual ethics and conduct. We live in a highly sexualised world where there is often pressure to be in a relationship and to be sexually active.
Throughout history God’s people have stood out from those around them by the way they treat other people and particularly in their sexual ethics. You may feel that you will be seen as weird if you don’t behave like those around you and that may be true.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
John 15v19
We remember the words of Jesus that warn us that just as the world hated him so it will also hate us. This doesn’t mean that we should deliberately try to be hated, but if we follow Jesus and live according to his ways there will be people who will be upset by that.
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
2 Peter 2v11-12
So we are to live in the world but to live lives that look very different to those around us. It is important that as you engage with those in your accommodation or in lectures that you do spend time with them and show love and friendship to them – be the most loving and helpful person they know. However, it is also important to resist the temptation to conform to the sinful desires that may be surrounding you. You may be in a situation where for the first time you are away from parents or Christian friends who can hold you accountable.
Resisting temptation
What practical things can you do as you face temptation to conform to the world around you?
- Pray – it is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that you can resist temptation
- Read God’s word – remind yourself daily of the truths in God’s word that you are a loved child of God, created by him to live for him.
- Find good Christian friends – people who will encourage you in your relationship with God and who will hold you accountable
- Get stuck into a good church – meeting with other Christians and hearing God’s word faithfully taught is vital.
- Forgiveness – if you make mistakes don’t despair. Seek God’s forgiveness and talk to other Christians who can support you.
