Yesterday's post featured guest blogger Danielle Smith shared important things she learned in college. Today's blog concludes her story. Feel free to pass along this information to your high school graduates.
6. Make time alone with God a priority.
Although you may feel busier than you’ve ever been when you’re in college, the truth is it will only get worse as you grow older. Now is the time to develop the habit of spending time in Bible study and prayer daily if you haven’t already. Peter understood that Jesus alone had the “words of life” so why do we think we should turn anywhere else but God’s word for guidance? (John 6:66-68)
7. When you make wise choices, the Lord will bless you. When you don’t there will always be consequences.
Think of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego found in Daniel 3. They refused to compromise their beliefs and as a result they were miraculously rescued. On the other hand, think of the story of David’s affair with Bathsheeba. David made some bad choices and although he was repentant, there were consequences.
8. Know what you believe.
College is a time when what you believe will be challenged, no matter what kind of school you attend. You will encounter people who are prepared to defend their beliefs. You must know what you believe, not just what your parents, Sunday School teachers and youth pastor have taught you.
9. Choose your friends wisely.
Friendship requires a choice and the amount of space in our lives for meaningful friendship is limited. We choose our friends because they value what we value. Whether we want to admit it or not, our friends have a great deal of influence over us. Closely examine the lives of those you would call your close friends and be sure they are encouraging you in your faith. (Ecc. 4:10)
10. Find a mentor AND an accountability partner.
Find a senior girl who can mentor you. You can find this girl through your local campus ministry or the church you are involved in. I asked a senior girl to disciple me when I was a freshman and we met together weekly to study the Bible together. She really helped me to navigate through my freshman year.
Another important person to have in your life is an accountability partner. This should be someone your same age, and same gender who you will be willing to share your struggles with and who will be willing to speak the truth to you in love. (Proverbs 27:17)
Danielle Smith is married to Brian Smith, the Student Pastor at Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green, KY. She is a former children’s minister and a recent graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The greatest joy and honor of her life is now being a stay at home mom to Lydia, age 4 and Anna Kate, who is 21 months old. She enjoys leading worship for her church’s youth group and discipling teenage girls.
Excellent points. I believe that many of these are relevant for so many areas in a woman's life, even in high and middle school, and beyond college. Number 10 should definitely be a high priority for all, as having a good accountability partner and mentor makes numbers 1 - 9 much easier.