The Strange Reality of Being a Christian College Student

An interview with Rona, Gladness, Joshua, Peter, Elizabeth, and Daphne – members of Street Level Ministries from the Philippines and USA

If you are to truly live out your Christian walk while being a student, you are choosing to enter a high stakes environment that will constantly pit your understanding and willingness to engage against the changing, biting tastes of this world. You’ll also grow tenfold and see a side of Christ you wouldn’t have if you had just stuck to the standard shadows. Are you ready? Read on to gain insight from a few everyday Christians just like you who have chosen to enter in the strange, new dimension of college life as a true follower of Christ.

TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN YOU WERE CHALLENGED AS A CHRISTIAN WHILE IN COLLEGE.

Rona (R): Explaining to classmates about the Bible was hard because they saw God as someone not important. They assumed I was just trying to add them as a member instead of trying to invite them to my campus ministry (Street Level) or church. I just wanted them to know Jesus.

Gladness (G): As a leader in my church while in college, managing my time wisely was challenging. Preparing for church responsibilities, while staying on top of my studies could default to duty, but I had to fight to make sure it was actually because I wanted to serve God and be close to Him.

Joshua (J): Most of my classmates aren’t Christians, so they base their opinion on what they saw on social media to decide what’s right for them. My views as a Christian are very different, and when I don’t agree with them it tends to turn into arguments. I love to debate, but I have to stop myself because it’s not always worth it since they are blind to the truth.

Daphne (D): I had to make the choice to walk away from someone in my life because I could see how that relationship was making me distant from God and my family in Christ. I never realized prior that doing something I wanted to do (putting God first) could be so conflicting and challenging.

Elizabeth (E): I had to decide how I was going to prioritize my time with God, where I was going to church, and how serious I was going to be about my faith in the newfound freedom of all college had to offer.

WHAT ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH RIGHT NOW? HOW ARE YOU FIGHTING IT?

(R): What God is calling me to today may not make sense, but I don’t have to understand it to obey. What helps is simply serving God and pleasing Him. It also helps to be around more mature Christians who correct me and I can build real relationships with.

(G): Deciding where I am supposed to go next, such as pursuing a career and finding a job. I know God has better plans, though, and I want to commit to ministry.

(J): I can trust myself too much, as if I have all the answers. I have to ask God to humble me and give me knowledge that’s from Him.

(Peter): I am struggling to avoid sin. I know I am fighting it because I’m not comfortable about it. Recently, I began to read the Bible daily, which is going pretty good.

(D): I’ve been struggling with the insecurity of growing as a Christian. It feels like puberty all over again—but spiritual this time. Rather than ruminating on my imperfections, I am working on turning to God when I mess up and surrendering my failures to Him right away.

WHY ARE YOU SURE THAT BEING A CHRISTIAN IS HOW YOU WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

(R): It’s easy to think that shiny objects and dreams have the answer to life, but they never quench your thirst. My inner heart always knew there was something more because of how empty I felt. It’s a constant inner battle unless you know God. I have found that Jesus is worth it all in this life and the next.

(J): When I studied other religious figures like Buddha, Confucious, and Muhammed, they just said to follow a certain life path and rules. Jesus is the only one who said, “Follow Me.” He’s the only one that actually gives life meaning, but He is difficult to follow. Following rules would have been easier.

(D): I ran for so many years. When I thought I was too far-gone, Jesus chased me and welcomed me home with open arms. I finally hit the bottom of myself and realized I needed Him. I feel at home with Him, and I never want to leave Him again. Looking back at who I was and where I was before Jesus (or “BC” —Before Christ) is a dark place I never want to go back to.

(E): I am sure I want to be a Christian for the rest of my life because I have found nothing else that satisfies like Jesus does. I trust He is worth more than anything I could sacrifice.