THE DYNAMIC LIFE

In University, you will legally be regarded as an adult due to your age and have access to things that were previously forbidden to you as a minor, such as cigarettes, liquor, entry into nightlife entertainment venues.

For many, having this newly found right to do things that were previously forbidden will feel very liberating and exciting, leading them to indulge in these previously forbidden activities to satisfy their curiosity.

THE FIRST STEP INTO ADULTHOOD

University can be considered your first step into adulthood. This is after all, the first time many of us will be allowed to make our own choices, with restrictions such as school dress codes and schoolteachers constantly reminding you of due assignments a thing of the past.

AVOIDING TEMPTATIONS & UNEDIFYING THINGS

Social visits to nightlife venues on Friday evenings and holiday eves will be considered the norm among many of your peers. You refusing to partake in these activities because it goes against the principles of your faith, will lead to decreased feelings of camaraderie between you and your peers. It may even make you a laughingstock amongst your peers who might view your faith as outdated superstitious beliefs. You should not be taken aback when this happens as the Bible has already told us that this will happen.

“if you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

(John 15:9)

The occasional experiences of encountering individuals who are against us and our faith is to be expected. We can take heart however, in knowing that we have a God who can empathise with our plight – for He too has experienced the challenge of remaining steadfast to the faith, in a world that encourages the contrary when he came to the world in the form of man.

”it is technically not a sin to go clubbing la”

“just missing the sabbath once in a while to spend time with my friends – aiya, God will understand.”

REMEMBERING THE TRUTH

You must always remember that you do not face these challenges alone but rather you do so alongside our ever-present God who will give you the strength to pull through these challenges if you are willing to rely on him.

Do not forget about the many brethren that God that has placed in your lives. Pursue righteousness through God’s words alongside these brethren. God will work through each of you so that you will be able to bear one another’s burden, provide comfort and strength to one another in times of difficulty and ultimately fight the good fight of faith to achieve eternal life.

FOR US TO PONDER:

• How much are we dazzled by the 'fun' lives our peers lead? Despite the allure, what are some things we can pursue that are more spiritually edifying?

• What kind of challenges do we face when attempting to stand firm in our faith? What steps can we take to be a respectful and personable individual, while also drawing important boundaries?