Dear Freshman….

• Dear Freshman, it’s finally here! You are finally heading off to college to chase your dreams and start your adult life. I know you’re excited, yet also a little scared. That is to be expected. For the first time in your life you are sensing a new taste in freedom. Your decisions will be made independently, and you no longer have to answer to your parents. You are now a college student, and at a time in your life which is very stressful due to the impact of your decisions. You have to decide if you are going to work hard and study hard. You have to decide what career choice you will pursue. These decisions are huge for your life, but there is one that is even bigger. That’s the decision of whether or not you are going to live “The College Life”.
• As you are probably already aware “The College Life” mostly consists of the partying aspect of college. This is perhaps the biggest temptation in your life right now, and I would like to explain to you the principles behind this temptation.

Temptation

• The temptation to go out and drink alcohol, or party is so heavy because of two things. The first is the fact that your whole life has been filled with media. The media paints the picture that partying is fun and innocent. In almost every T.V. show or movie, there are high-school or college students going to parties and drinking. Most of the time these scenarios seem innocent, and there are no consequences. This could not be further from the truth. You see, engaging in parties or alcohol produces guilt and shame, especially for Christians. The media doesn’t tell the story of waking up the next day regretting your decisions, and feeling disconnected from God because of this sin.

Expectation

• One of the most common phrases you will hear is, “You need to make memories while you’re young.” I remember hearing this all the time when I was your age. You see, the reality is college is played out as a free time to experiment, and make memories. The only problem is nowhere in the Bible is this indicated as being ok. This is a worldly teaching. Do not let society’s opinions ease you into embracing these sins. As 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith…” I want to remind you that the memories made at parties or drinking will not be the type of memories you want to have. There is no worse feeling then constantly being reminded of the times when you sinned against your loving and gracious heavenly Father.

Back-lash

• One of the hard parts about being a Christian is that we don’t always get to join the crowd. This is a reality we should be thankful for, but at the same time it can cause us to be subject to persecution. If you choose to stand up for your faith, and to stand against the crowd, there will always be back-lash. The moment you decide not to commit these “popular sins”, you will make others feel uncomfortable. It will only be human nature for them to tease or insult you. 1 Peter 4:4 says, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.” As Christians we are all expected to carry our cross daily just as Jesus did. We can’t let the fear of hard times stop us from doing so. If you do decide to stand for Jesus, it will require you to have lonely and boring nights. When all of your friends are going to parties you need to choose to stay at home, or hang out with other friends. The most important thing you can do is surround yourself with friends who are Christians.

Conclusion

• The temptation to party it up is real. It is even more intense when you feel that you’re expected to do so. As followers of Jesus, we have to be willing to do whatever it takes to be Christ-like. Even if that means losing our popularity, being lonely, or facing daily ridicule. Matthew 7:14 says, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Very few will choose to avoid these temptations, but I hope you, yourself, choose the road less traveled. Surround yourself with people who will not tempt you. Get involved with a college ministry. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Even though we may believe we can withstand any temptation, the reality is those we hang around will have an impact on us. I have written this letter in hopes that you will avoid this temptation, and not follow what seems to be the rest of the world.