I was saddened yesterday to hear of another college student who has “walked away” from their faith. I was tempted to engage in a battle of wits seeking to convince them of the error of their thoughts and those of their “professors.” However, as I thought what I might say, it dawned on me that there was nothing new I could say. This student is bright and perceptive. Furthermore, they know the truth. They had been taught it by their parents, teachers, and youth pastors. They have simply chosen to walk away from it.
In my own journey, I came to this same crossroad in 1984. I remember thinking to myself, I either accept what this professor tells me and disregard COMPLETELY what Scripture says, or I embrace God’s truth. I chose the Truth, and while I haven’t followed it perfectly for the last 26 years, I am so thankful for God’s mercy and grace.
I’m left with,”How do I respond to these students?” Well, I have a couple of things I can do. I can continue to love them. I can continue to pray for them, specifically, that God will breakthrough the walls they are erecting. I can pray for their parents, who I KNOW are hurting over these decisions. I can be ready to talk if they should come to me. And, I can trust God to be faithful in all circumstances.
I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 1:22-25 – “Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanging the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” This passage paints a bleak picture, However, it is followed by a whole book that talks of God’s love and mercy and grace.
Lord, guard the hearts and minds of these college students. Protect them from the schemes of the evil one. Draw them to Yourself. Help them not to buy into the lie, but You immerse them in the Truth. May they feel Your Love; experience Your Grace; know Your Forgiveness; and live in Your Peace. Strengthen their parents with an ever-growing sense of Your presence in their lives. Amen.
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