As one set of young adults set off for university with their kettles and toasters, another group is about to apply for places. But should Christians go? Not automatically. Many young people are happy to be caught up in the application cycle if that’s where everyone else is. Those on the broad road want to fit in.
But Christian young people will be different. Especially with such a significant life decision, the Christian will ask: is this the best for me in my service of Christ? The answer may be yes, but the question must be asked. And we must be prepared for the answer to be no.
Sadly, the world can treat university years as a responsibility-free rite of passage. The believer will want to evaluate whether to go based on biblical considerations like stewardship, future family, temptations, and vocation.
Stewardship test
The attitude of many to money has been described as ‘me-ism’ and ‘now-ism.’ YOLO – you only live once and need to live for the moment. Every Christian is called to be a steward in this selfish age of ours. Our opportunity is not to live for the moment but to plan for the future in the light of eternity.
The Christian knows God expects us to earn enough to feed ourselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10), have something left for sharing (Ephesians 4:28), give systematically as we prosper (1 Corinthians 16:2), for a man to provide for his household (1 Timothy 5:8) – and then to enjoy as God blesses (1 Timothy 6:17).
