Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters Avise endum For most high school graduates, going to college or pursuing a career is the first time they've left home for any extended period of time. In many ways, graduates feel they're going into the unknown. It's true they know the college, know most of the courses they will pursue. but there are still many unknowns, and possibly fears.
Will they be able to keep up with their academics? Will they make good friends? Will they be homesick? How will they manage their finances? How will they be able to get part time employment?
How is life in the dorm going to be? With some hesitation, I want to give advice to our graduates. I know they're being deluged with advice. And much of what I'm going to say, they already know. I'm thankful that many of our students at Calvary Church have done well at college and return home with their faith in Jesus Christ.
still strong. But here's some advice. Number one. By far the most important. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Keep Jesus Christ first. That was wise advice I received in my late teens. Jesus Christ first. every day look to him. spend time in prayer, personal Bible study, thanking God and looking for opportunities.
to witness. Second, when you're at college, God's will for you is to pursue holiness. and to study hard. That's God's will. what you do after college, who you marry, and all of the other decisions ahead of you will fall into place.
But study hard. At college. That's God's will for you. Number three, don't look on college as a time to party and to experiment with alcohol, drugs, sex, and so on. Don't put aside your faith in Jesus Christ when at college.
This is a time for you to be intentional in your own Christian life. You're away from your parents. from your church environment, from those who love you.
Now, this is a test of your maturity. and whether you will continue as an authentic follower. of Jesus Christ.
Next. Attend the local church. The Christian life is not solo. While you can also be involved with a campus ministry, there is no substitute for the local church where you worship, where you serve, where you grow in the Lord and develop relationships not only with your contemporaries, but those who are older in the faith. Seek relationships with married couples in your church, with seniors, with children.
As a student it's easy to think that life revolves round you. The Church of Jesus Christ reminds us that God calls all generations, all cultures, all personalities, all socio-economic levels. into the one body of Christ. Don't always see yourself as a student. But as a young person loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Next. Seek to have a Bible study with your fellow students. It may only be half an hour a week. But college life is an opportunity for you to develop godly relationships. which you may have for the rest of your life.
Be open to what God has for you. Don't be a loner. Don't only spend time with students you may have known prior to going to college. This is a fruitful time. to get to know a wide variety of people.
Some negatives. Obviously. Don't cheat. A large percentage of college students were told cheat. using artificial intelligence.
Copying from other students. trying to get others to do their papers and so on. Scripture exhorts us to be truthful in all aspects of her life. You may get a better grade if you cheat. but you've compromised your integrity and your trustworthiness.
Proverbs twenty three verse twenty three says this By truth, And do not sell it. Good advice. By truth. and do not sell it.
Next, don't live in a technological cocoon. Develop strong relationships with people. Develop your listening skills. Take advantage of all of the opportunities at college to hear from those you disagree with. And from those you agree with.
Don't just keep to your own little circle of friends. and be careful about intense friendships with unbelievers. Yes, learn to interact with them. Share the gospel with them. Display the Lord Jesus Christ with them, but don't date them.
When you come home from college for a break, attend the church you used to attend. At Calvary Church we rejoice in seeing so many of our students serving in worship and other ministries during their spring or Christmas breaks and so on. This enriches our assembly of believers. keeps the students on track. and helps them grow and the Lord.
Isaiah 41, verse 10. Fear not. for I'm with you. Be not dismayed. For I am your God.
I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Alexander. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe.
John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms. For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com slash the verdict.
