College can be a frightening experience, especially for Christian students who intend to stay strong in their faith. Attending a Christian university does not mean you’re exempt from encountering numerous obstacles along the way that could prove detrimental to your faith. As a junior at Liberty University, located in central Virginia, I’ve learned a few lessons on how to stay Christian at a Christian university.

Don’t Let the Christian Life Become Comfortable
Because I am required to take basic Bible and theology classes and to attend a weekly spiritual convocation, my spiritual life could easily become routine. One way I am able to combat the danger of complacency is by challenging myself. At Liberty, there are many ministry opportunities that can strengthen and even stretch my faith. I’ve learned to get out of my comfort zone. Serve off campus in the poorest part of town. (I enjoy serving at an AWANA program at a nearby church.) Stop; take the time to thank the cleaning staff on campus. Don’t just listen to the required sermons and lectures; put those words into action and spread God’s truth and love.

Fulfill the Great Commission
Living on campus at a Christian university and being surrounded by a mostly Christian student body has its disadvantages. It’s easy to become sheltered and disconnected from the world. A Christian university student who stays holed up in his dorm room, doing homework, is not fulfilling the Great Commission. Jesus constantly created opportunities to be among the sinners of His day; Christians students should seek out opportunities to interact with unbelievers and listen to their troubles. Get to know unbelievers in your college town; build friendships with them. These friendships could lead to witnessing opportunities.

Don’t Assume Your Peers Are Christians
I often find myself incorrectly assuming that every student I come into contact with at Liberty is a Christian. I am wrong! During convocation messages throughout the year, students stand to give their lives to Christ for the first time. That is an important concept for me to remember. I’m at a Christian university, but that doesn’t mean all the students are Christians! I must be a witness at all times.

Keep the Bible Holy
The Bible is a required book for several classes students must take at Liberty. I have to be careful not to let this requirement change my view or use of the Bible. The Bible isn’t a textbook! I carry my Bible in my book bag next to my other textbooks. This is dangerous; because, God’s Word could lose the respect and reverence it deserves. Remember, the Bible is the powerful, inspired and infallible truth; while textbooks are written by fallible men and may contain errors. Christian students need to remember how important it is to read and study the Bible for personal growth, in addition to any required reading or homework assignments in Bible classes.

Find A Mentor
Even at a Christian university, surrounded by believers, there is a danger of living the Christian life on your own. Staying accountable is much easier with a trusted, mature Christian to talk to regularly. A mentor can get to know you and your struggles and help you to grow in what might seem like an easy place to be growing spiritually. Staying strong in the faith is challenging no matter where you go to school. The most important thing to remember—prayer; take it all to God!