Is collage a bad influence?

For many, collage is a blessing and a launch pad for fulfilling ones dreams. But what about for Christians? Many believers in Jesus have found themselves falling away and eventually turning from the Lord altogether? Is collage to blame? Is it ever a good thing for a Christian to go to collage? While there can be numerous benefits from this kind of schooling (i.e. learning a trade and being offered great job opportunities) still is there a risk being taken.

For instance... evolution. Anyone can tell you that such theories and field of study is entirely against God's Word. Yet in collage, it seems that many said Christian seem to tolerate it and many times begin to believe such ideas. Such teachings are dangerous waters for the Christian and unless one is strong in their faith and their relationship with Jesus, it is highly probable that a Christian can become "slack" and even begin to doubt the existence of their Maker. Even still, is all the blame to be put on the teachers and curriculum?

Peer pressure has a major part in negatively effecting a student as well, young or old. From elementary schools on to life careers, always will there be this struggle between what you know is right and what everyone else is doing. For the Christian, peer pressure can be magnified a thousands times more stronger, and unfortunately the students of highschool and collage struggle with it the most. Being continually in an enviroment where the Bible and Jesus is put down and scowled upon one's faith can be greatly effected; either causing the individual to draw further from the Lord and weaker in their faith... or stronger and closer to God. One of these is bound to happen and regrettably, the first will most often occur.

To say in a few words, collage is not easy. It is a child who often enters those doors in the fall and four years later walks out an adult with a degree and prepared for a life-long career. It is like the last shaping of one's character before one steps out into the world alone. Collage, though for many only running a course of four years, can effect any individual greatly. It is a time in one's life where one can expect change. It is a time in one's life as well where one can expect to be tempted and pressured into something where they would otherwise not do. For the Christian, it can indeed be very dangerous waters. It can be a battlefield and that is why it cannot be taking lightly. Of course, it can be a springboard into assisting one to stepping out on their own, and for the the Christian it can be a great ministry field. Yet in order for this to happen, one must come to collage prepared, not to get prepared. Collage itself isn't bad, it just demands the best out of every individual... including for the Christian.

How do you define success?

The word success can mean so many things. Ask anyone and they will give you a different answer. Some think it studying a proffession and being employeed in a job of generous wages. Some think it fulfilling some predetermined destiny. To me, I think success comes from reaching a life long dream; and the harder the road the more glorious the success!

Imagine a crippled boy from a humble black family. His dream was to become a proffessional runner before the car accident crushed his limbs from the waist down. Prosthetics are available but require a small fortune that even the wealthiest hesitate to purchase.

Think of a little girl with big dreams to become an actress. Talent and the passion for acting course through her veins but she can't pass auditions because she is stubby and "unsightly". 

A helpless boy just down the block has resided in an orphanage all his life. His only dream is to get adopted but no one will take him in. His addiction for drugs drives even the most patient and loving family away.

To see no hope in sight and still be hopeful. To persist and push through the greatest of obstacles; ignoring the sneering and hurtful discouragements hurled from left and right. When the goal is finally reached - the dream at last reality - that is when success appears.

My Testimony in an essay

What is happiest day of your life and why?

The happiest day of my life was the day I was adopted into the family of God. Everything changed that afternoon when I prayed that prayer. My only regrets is that I didn't pray it sooner.

I was just a child back then but well learned about the Bible and the Lord's love. I had been raised in a Christian family, attending Church every Sunday. I had what one might say a perfect life, but deep inside I was missing something and I could feel it. It was peace. When I prayed that prayer to Christ Jesus, with hands folded and head humbly bowed, it was then I finally found peace or rather... it found me. Before I knew it that empty place within me had been filled.

For months before, my dreams had been haunted by nightmares. Terrible dreams they had been about me alone and in danger, calling for help but to no answer. I feared the dreams might become reality, for near everynight I had them and the same over and over. But when I accepted Christ to rule in my life and for Him to takeover I knew I would never truly be alone. Though darkness and danger may encompass me, I would always have Jesus by my side to comfort, protect and guide me. Nothing could really harm me. No evil could ever prevail.

I remember being tempted by the Devil on many occasions, and on many others having those terrible dreams again. Some dreams even had the Devil chasing me. In every incidence I called out the name of Jesus and everytime He rescued me; yes even in dreams. No longer did the Devil have a foothold in my life.

Several years have passed since that day I accepted and was adopted into the family of God, but how clear I remember it. I shall never forget it. Always will it be the best day of my life for it was then when I discovered true peace and happiness with Jesus Christ. I hope everyone might have a change to accept Christ someday, for I know how empty of a life it is to live without Him. And the best part: I have all of eternity to look forward to!