My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. Galatians 5:13
Going off to college is a complete change of life as we know it. Most people agree that choosing to go away for college is largely due to the freedom that comes with being on our own. We think we are ready to take on freshman year, which will be the greatest time of our life.
I had a similar mindset as I began my career at UA. However, freedom took on a whole new meaning to me. It took on the meaning of having the choice to serve. Whether you are away from your parents or not, you pick between serving God or the flesh. There are lots of choices to make while being away from home, but this one, perhaps, may stand above the rest.
The verse written above presents several ideas. First, Paul, the author, calls his audience his brothers and sisters, meaning they have been saved. He goes on to say they are called to be free. Finally, he lists two things that are possible to be served: the flesh or one another, advising against the former.
Choosing to serve God and one another with love is the best freedom you can get when you come to campus. You can have freedom from sin, from shame, from fear, and from every other burden the world may bring.
Jesus sets us free and gives us victory over death!
How do you want to begin your college career? Do you want to be a servant of the flesh, serving your own desires, or a servant of Christ? Serving your selfish desires is going to hold you back, but pursuing God and His purpose for you will give your life more meaning than you could ever imagine!
I hope this has been encouraging to you, that you hit the ground running after God and His purpose, and that we cross paths during the upcoming year!
Garrett Pinkerton, Sophomore
Instagram: @gcp0198
{originally published June 28, 2017}
