16 Ways to Act Like a Christian on a Christian College Campus

People think it's easy being a Christian on a conservative Christian college campus. Yes, we may not have the outright influence of drugs, alcohol, immorality, and other things we might see as big issues, but it's definitely not easy.

Why? You may ask. Because the Christian life isn't easy.

What does it mean to be a Christian? First of all, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. After that, we are called to live like Christ. Being a Christian gives us the responsibility to act like Christ. Talk about some huge shoes to fill! After all, this is where the term Christian came from (Acts 11:26). These people were "little Christs." Being a "little Christ" is a challenge because it goes against our sin nature. Our flesh screams at us to do our own thing. It still does that after salvation, and it will keep doing it until one day we meet Christ (hopefully soon!).

I've got some shocking news....You're not going to see Christ in every student you meet. Some people are going to rude, mean, cutting, disrespectful, rebellious, etc. You get the point. Just because they go to Bible college, it doesn't mean they have their act together. There have been plenty of times where I have not acted like Christ; it's sad.

If we know that this is a huge issue, what can we do to change it? Well, there's not a cure all answer. Here we are back to the little things again. It's choosing to act like Christ in all the little things. (Insert "What Would Jesus Do?" question here.) We have to choose in every moment that we are going to make the Christ like choice. Here are just a few examples of how we can do that on a Christian college campus:

1. Actually get up and read your Bible and talk to God. Spend meaningful time with Him (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 42:1).
2. Have a positive attitude even if you have first hour class (Psalm 118:24).
3. Choose to be kind to that rude person even when you really don't feel like it (Ephesians 4:32).
4. Don't gossip (Proverbs 10:19).
5. Use speech that isn't questionable in any way (Ephesians 4:29).
6. Do your best in your classes, not just what it takes to get by (Colossians 3:23).
7. Wait on God's timing; don't rush into relationships (Psalm 27:14).
8. Be patient with your roommate even when she is loud while you are sleeping (Gal. 5:22-23). 
9. Tell someone how good God has been to you today (Psalm 103:1).
10. Use your time wisely whether it's working on projects or encouraging a friend or accomplishing goals. Don't waste it (Eph. 5:16).
11. Be respectful to your authority whether they are present or not; don't talk bad about them (Romans 13:1-2).
12. Be willing to learn; accept correction and constructive criticism with grace (Proverbs 19:20).
13. Don't be afraid to kindly confront someone else about a problem; stand up for what you know is right (Romans 12:1-2).
14. Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41).
15. Give. Your time, money, friendship, clothes, food, etc. (2 Corinthias 9:7).
16. Don't worry about finances, friends, relationships, family, grades, health. Don't worry about any of it. Trust God. (Matthew 6:34)