College is a Greenhouse
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
Think about a greenhouse. It’s a place where the conditions are perfect for growth. It’s a place where a plant stays for a designated amount of time and is set up to produce fruit and flowers. Then the plant is sent out to a new place to thrive and to live out its purpose.
College is a place where a person goes for a designated time, and the conditions are right for some kind of growth. Something new is going to grow during this time whether it be expertise on a subject (future career) or perhaps a serious relationship (future marriage).
There are other areas that can take off and grow in unhealthy ways like partying, addiction to drugs and alcohol, hook-up culture, love for what the world has to offer, and the thrill of success, to name a few.
Something is going to grow. My hope is: let it be your faith.
The conditions are right. You have the time to be in the Word everyday. With the flexibility of class schedules and semesters, you have hours to be in Bible Studies and to read about life with Christ. You also have time to set a new rhythm for how you spend your days! College will perhaps be the least busy time of your life. Take advantage, and spend time growing in your faith to give you a foundation for the tumultuous adult life to come.
The conditions are right. You have the people who will be a great cloud of witnesses with you everyday! You have a place where other believers living right near you can spur you on and encourage you, even hold you accountable and pray for you. There are churches and Christian organizations who want to walk with you as your faith deepens. College will perhaps be the most social time of your life. Take advantage, and spend time cultivating friendships built on an eternal commonality!
The conditions are right. You have the space in your life before a full-time job or the demands of marriage and family divide your heart. You have the summers to go on mission trips or be part of focused studies. You can ask questions and explore faith, doubt, scripture and the words of Jesus. College will perhaps be the most path-defining time of your life. Take advantage of these choices that will shape your life and your eternity!
To my young friends heading to college soon, you are walking into a greenhouse for your mind and heart! The good news is, you get to choose what really grows, and you are in a place where it will.
