When our first child went away to college, I prayed and vowed not to pester him about finding a Bible oriented Christian church at which to worship. A few months went by before he mentioned that he had been attending one. Whew, what a relief!

Our three kids are now in their fifties. They all completed their college education and are still standing strong in their Christian faith. But, a few years ago, I began praying for the college years of our six grand children. I have been told that there is much on campuses that would threaten their religious upbringing. Could one threat be the teacher /student relationship which has developed over many years of schooling? When away from home and the influence of parents, do they use this pattern when trying to grow their own personal relationship with God? Well, if so, it won’t work.

A college student signs up for a class to be taught about a subject by an instructor for a quarter or a semester. But once persons believe in Christ, they are yoked to Him, not for a limited time but forever. Being bound in this way means that one can take time getting to know Christ and His work for each individual, His Word – the Bible – and His ways. A student will discover that He is gentle and lowly in heart which leads to rest. (Matthew 11:29)

This instructor is not an adversary but a friend. There is no confining classroom. The instructor teaches as one walks through the world with Him. The course subject is the instructor. He is fascinating in His complexity. The learning is life long and is to be done in a leisurely fashion. No cramming. There is no shame in not understanding what is being taught. Questions are permitted and expected. The sessions are one-on-one. Lesson plans are unique for every individual. The instructor has chosen the student, not the other way around. There are tests, but one will not be graded or have to consider pass or fail. There are do-overs.

Developing relationships at college is important to students. They don’t approach it like taking a course of study from an instructor. Developing a relationship with God is different than both but so important to do either well.

Ponder, pray and make sure that the college students that you know understand that a relationship with God is different than all others.