Keys to Thriving at College

Alex ChediakKeys to Thriving at College

TCCCC – April 25, 20141

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4 Verses to Orient Your College Years “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the

believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.” (Luke 10:27, emphasis added)

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3 Powerful Feelings to Anticipate Loneliness

• Starting over—at the bottom of the social ladder.• Temptation to perpetuate your HS social life.• Need to be patient as new friendships form.

Freedom • Less structure. In class half as much as high-school.• Away from household rules. Can “reinvent” yourself.

Stress• Academic, relational, professional.• Some kind of party-scene exists on many campuses.

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4 Keys to Thriving at College1. Take responsibility for your spiritual life.

2. Grow in relational maturity.

3. Grow in professional excellence.

4. Grow in academic competence.

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Taking Responsibility for your Spiritual Life Taking time for Bible reading and prayer.

• The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible.

Finding a church and campus fellowship.• Have a plan to look for one. Consider in advance of

choosing a college. Establishing close friendships with other

Christians. • Be intentional and patient. • Some “Christians” leave the faith. (I John 2:19)

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Taking Responsibility for your Relational Life

Be aware of the moral influence of those you spend the most time with. (Prov. 13:20) • Easiest ≠ Best• Like-mindedness stronger friendships

Relational overload can happen. Friendships can never be forced.

• Disappointments happen. Worth the risk.

Taking Responsibility for your Relational Life (II)

Interact with the opposite sex in safe ways. • Don’t missionary date.• Reject compartmentalization.• Pace yourselves.• Limit alone time. Public places. Avoid late hours.• Have a “preparing for marriage” orientation.

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Growing in Professional Excellence Take ownership for your life Manage your time well Make commitments with care, and then

keep them

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Grow in Academic Competence “When am I ever going to use this stuff?” Find joy in the journey – work hard, and let

your grades be the by-product:1. Talent2. Background3. Hard Work4. Smart Work

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Grow in Academic Competence II Recognize that grades give us an accurate

reflection of our true skill in a subject. My first college test: I got a B- (what!!) Objective, external feedback is just as

important as subjective, internal feedback in discovering our calling.

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In Conclusion…. College represents new dangers and new

opportunities. To Thrive in College:

• Take responsibility for your spiritual life• Grow in relational maturity• Grow in professional excellence• Grow in academic competence