Every one of his jokes referenced casual sex, drunkenness, the objectification of women or homosexuality. He literally seemed to just rotate between the four categories each time he opened his mouth. But I know he isn't alone in feeling that we, as college students, are his subject audience for such humor.
It seems that all throughout media, be it movies, tv shows, or music, college seems to be a time of self-discovery, pursuing pleasure, and being pretty careless before you are shoved out in the real world. I think that following this path would deprive us of four years of true joy and life-giving experiences.
Now, I know that sin is inevitable, both in our college years and the years that follow. No one is going to graduate with a record of perfect behavior. Temptation and insecurity are so strong during this time of life, especially being surrounded by thousands of peers. There is grace for the decisions we make, and sometimes it is through our mistakes that we learn life lessons that we wouldn't have fully grasped any other way.
However, what if we strove for the accomplishments of our four years in college to be shown not only in the form of a diploma, but also in advancing the Kingdom of God?
This was the perspective that I had when entering my college experience. There have been times when this has been easier said than done. There have been times when my stress, exhaustion, and longings have completely clouded my vision of this goal. But, in those moments of calm, of peace and typically of solitude, He reveals to me that my life is not meant to be lived for my own glory, but for His.
It truly hurts my heart that the world thinks we are the target audience for these crude jokes because we are between the ages of 18 and 22. The expectation is that we engage in promiscuity and unhealthy habits. That's likely a huge reason why is truly is so common among young adults: society says its what we do.
But I want to challenge the people who use such strong stereotypes when communicating with us. And challenge the students who feel that they must live out a "typical college experience" in order to enjoy those four years.
There is true joy to be grasped in life that gives glimpses of the eternal love and peace of God. And college doesn't have to be a time where we put that pursuit on hold to explore the other options and lifestyles.
My prayer is that students, myself included, who enter college with a relationship with the Lord will be strengthened to continue to seek Him, and His plan for our lives. That the temptations and stress surrounding us will not steer us towards anything but His loving arms: the source of true comfort and peace. I pray that young adults will reject society's label on us, and will live in a way which proves the stereotypes to be incorrect. I pray that we will experience life-giving relationships, inspiration, hope and unconditional love, and the blessings of people who will share in these gifts with us.
Now, I know that sin is inevitable, both in our college years and the years that follow. No one is going to graduate with a record of perfect behavior. Temptation and insecurity are so strong during this time of life, especially being surrounded by thousands of peers. There is grace for the decisions we make, and sometimes it is through our mistakes that we learn life lessons that we wouldn't have fully grasped any other way.
However, what if we strove for the accomplishments of our four years in college to be shown not only in the form of a diploma, but also in advancing the Kingdom of God?
This was the perspective that I had when entering my college experience. There have been times when this has been easier said than done. There have been times when my stress, exhaustion, and longings have completely clouded my vision of this goal. But, in those moments of calm, of peace and typically of solitude, He reveals to me that my life is not meant to be lived for my own glory, but for His.
It truly hurts my heart that the world thinks we are the target audience for these crude jokes because we are between the ages of 18 and 22. The expectation is that we engage in promiscuity and unhealthy habits. That's likely a huge reason why is truly is so common among young adults: society says its what we do.
But I want to challenge the people who use such strong stereotypes when communicating with us. And challenge the students who feel that they must live out a "typical college experience" in order to enjoy those four years.
There is true joy to be grasped in life that gives glimpses of the eternal love and peace of God. And college doesn't have to be a time where we put that pursuit on hold to explore the other options and lifestyles.
My prayer is that students, myself included, who enter college with a relationship with the Lord will be strengthened to continue to seek Him, and His plan for our lives. That the temptations and stress surrounding us will not steer us towards anything but His loving arms: the source of true comfort and peace. I pray that young adults will reject society's label on us, and will live in a way which proves the stereotypes to be incorrect. I pray that we will experience life-giving relationships, inspiration, hope and unconditional love, and the blessings of people who will share in these gifts with us.
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