Reader, why did you come to Gordon College? Was it all that you hoped for? Is your relationship with God better? Let me ask you this last question: When was the last time you read your Bible since coming here? 

I know that college can make you busy. You’re taking classes, you attend evening clubs, and you probably have a job. But look at your schedule and ask yourself: What time do you have set aside for your quiet time for God? 

In conversations with some students here at Gordon, it seems to be a common experience that students forget to read their Bible. And it is usually because of the school workload, cramped schedules, and their commitments to clubs. I think it is important for us all to reflect on the fact that simply going to a Christian college does not automatically bring us closer to God. Yes, it is good to go to college, Christian or not. But we need a reminder that we have to put in the work to actually build a relationship with God. 

In Matthew 3:8-9 (NLT), as John the Baptist prepares the people for the coming of Jesus, he says,“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.” 

In this passage, John is calling out the Pharisees and Sadducees for trusting in their Jewish heritage to be saved. If you look at verse 8 closely, John reminds them that real repentance will show itself in life, producing fruit. It has to be a matter of living repentance and surrender to Christ, not just talking repentance. 

It can be easy to trust in the idea that if our families are Christian or if we go to a Christian college, then we are — as the verse says — “safe.” But this way of approaching faith does not build a solid foundation, nor does it produce fruit. Yes, it’s good to be a part of a faithful family, to go to church, or to go to college at a school like Gordon, but if there is no fruit being produced – if you are not growing in your relationship with Christ and becoming more like Him –- in the setting where you are, then what’s the point? 

Scripture tells us that our foundation is not set on where we got to school or on which church we attend — it’s on God, the Rock. 

As Jesus says in Matthew 7:24-27, 

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

The verse doesn’t suggest that our foundation of faith is laid at a certain tangible place. The rock is God’s Word. And the way we build a foundation is by following God’s word. A place or a setting does not save — but in all settings, we are to follow God. 

Paul also says it clearly in Colossians 2:6-7,

 “And now, Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, You must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” 

How To Build A Foundation Of Faith In College

Talk to the Lord:

One of the best ways to build a relationship with someone is by simply talking to them. The Bible tells us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As a college student, one of the ways you can apply this is by talking to God while you walk and from class. In my experience, when I talk to God on a prayer walk, it eases my mind to know that God is walking beside me and that my thoughts are focusing on practicing his presence. 

Many think that you can only pray to God in the morning and at night. While this is also a great practice, talking to God throughout your day fixates your mind to constantly think about Him and be engaged with Him. Prayer is communication with God – it’s having a conversation. You can confess your sins, your worries, and your feelings. Further, our prayers shouldn’t just be requests. They should also be filled with gratitude, which leads to rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). 

Listen to the Lord: 

We speak to God through prayer, but we can also listen to Him — not just through the various ways he speaks (such as through fellow believers, impressions, etc), but through His Word, the Bible. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you the truth within pages of Scripture. Scripture teaches us who God is and how we can adjust our lives to align with Him (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Find some free time to read His Word — you could even start with one chapter a day. If the chapter is too long, then read half. Additionally, taking notes is a great way for the brain to comprehend what you are reading. 

I also encourage a Bible commentary. In my own Bible study, I have found that when you read Scripture and you have either a question or if something is confusing, it can be helpful to look at a commentary that fleshes the passage out. A study Bible with footnotes is a great place to start, or a free online commentary like Enduringword. They are meant to help you understand certain verses of Scripture and enhance your understanding of God’s Word. 

When we adjust our ways of thinking and doing in order to follow Christ, we are obeying what God has spoken. When we obey God, we build our house on Him who is our rock. 

Be With Those Who Represent the Lord:

Christians are encouraged to gather together (Hebrews 10:25). Although we often hear this Scripture and equate it with going to church, it can also refer to other gatherings of believers (both formal and informal). 

At a Christian college, we are mostly surrounded by believers. But we must still ask the Lord to guide us to those who will impact our character to become like Christ (Proverbs 27:17, 13:20,12:26). I encourage you to check out the various Christ-centered clubs on campus, such as the Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry. Have Bible studies with your friends and don’t be afraid of having theological conversations. 

As we continue in our academic careers, it’s easy to get busy. But I encourage you to pray for the Lord to help you find some time to meet with Him. Ask him to help you apply these practical skills in your years at Gordon. 

Seek him out, in Jesus name. He can renew you and give you refreshment.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah” (Acts 3:19-20).