The call to walk with Jesus is the same whether you’re five or seventy-five. Each stage of life looks different, resulting in new challenges and opportunities for growth in your relationship with the Lord. Going off to college or entering the workforce after high school is one of these stages, and possibly the first big challenge of adulthood. For most, the college years are a time of self-discovery and education, socially and academically. Bright-eyed young adults fly off on their own, amazed at their newfound freedom to discover the world. During this time, competing thoughts, ideals, and beliefs will beg for your allegiance.
It will not always be the popular choice to be a believer. This can be daunting. But don’t forget the words of our Savior in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." You’re never alone in your walk with the Lord.
Colossians 3:12–17 provides a wonderful and concise call to uphold the gospel and walk in faith. Based on the truth of these verses, here are three thoughts to consider as you enter this new season.
Find Faithful Community
Throughout Colossians, we see repeated phrases: “one another” and “one body.” As a believer, you’re a part of the global body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). Just as the body needs all its organs and systems for survival, it’s vital for you to find a group of believers to encourage and support you. Learning alongside believers and watching the Lord’s faithfulness in your life and the lives of others is a wonderful part of kingdom life. The enemy is eagerly seeking your soul during this time. As Peter tells us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. So resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:8–9). Having a group of believers who will stand firm with you is crucial. The whole body endures the struggles, temptations, and heartaches of this life together.
While the normalcy of attending church and fellowship groups might look different now, that doesn’t mean your need for the body of Christ has changed. Find a gospel-preaching church where you can receive the Lord’s Supper, witness Baptism, hear God’s word preached regularly, and sit under the accountability and protection of godly elders.
Check if they, or another local church, host young adult groups, events, or Bible studies. If you’re still attending your home church, seek new ways to be involved in ministry, such as with a youth group or for an outreach project. If you’re at university, go to the activities and club fairs and seek out campus ministry groups. While peer community is important, don’t discredit the value of seasoned believers! The relationships I made in my campus ministry group challenged and grew my faith exponentially. Above all, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone to meet new people.
Stay Rooted in the Word
Colossians 3:16 encourages us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Just as it’s vital for you to be upheld by the church, it’s essential to be connected to its source. Christ is our vine. The gospel is our life source (John 15:5). Without the nutrients of the gospel, our spiritual life begins to diminish. The enemy always seeks to divert your attention from Christ’s kingdom to the things of this world. When we are distracted from this reality, we make his job easy.
Therefore, it’s important to turn to the word of God as the source of your encouragement and truth. It’s through daily reading and meditation on his word that the Lord continues the everyday work of sanctification (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A wise general would not send soldiers into battle without weapons and means of nourishment. Likewise, the Lord has given us his word both as a sword of truth and nourishment for our souls. By it we are equipped for every good work.
Remember His Faithfulness
Lastly, remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Matt. 28:19; Josh. 1:9; Heb. 13:5). Through Christ’s redeeming work we are now children of God and coheirs of his kingdom! This is the pinnacle of the Lord’s faithfulness. Remember, if he is faithful to provide us with new and abundant life in Christ, how much more faithful will he be to sustain it (Phil. 1:6)?
The Lord will call you to challenging seasons that are meant to grow and refine you, but he promises throughout Scripture that He will neither leave you nor forsake you. Remembering and meditating on his promises will help carry you through each moment of your life, both joyous and devastating. Let David’s cry be ours as well, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered,” (1 Chron. 16:8-36). The God that was faithful to his people in past ages is the same God that walks alongside you now.
This is a wonderfully exciting time in your life. The possibilities may seem endless. Or maybe they seem a little daunting. Wherever you stand, know that God’s people are ready to hold you, the word of the Lord remains steadfast, and the Creator of heaven and earth walks with you. Thanks be to God for getting you to today, and for sustaining you in grace and truth for tomorrow!
