Confessor
Puritan Board Senior
Today, I just finished my first day at Ohio Northern University, a secular school that, from my experience thus far, seems to firmly embrace the values of man.
For example, in one large ice-breaking session earlier today, an activity we had to do within a decently large group of people was to say our name and state something we like to do. The extremely large room (which contained a few basketball courts and a full-size track) contained almost entirely freshmen, but there were a few upperclassmen there. One of the upperclassmen stated his name and that he liked to drink, followed by some cheers and high fives -- which were supposed to occur if anyone agreed with him. What was even more surprising is that prior to his turn in the circle, no one had mentioned anything borderline debaucherous (e.g. "I like roller coasters," "I'm afraid of heights," etc.). Later, too, the same guy invited everyone in the circle to a party at what I presume to be his fraternity's house later in the night.
When he asked me if I wanted to go, I told him I wasn't planning on it -- I hate to equivocate or pretend to be considerate in order not to "hurt his feelings," especially in a matter as grave as this -- and that I had been involved with it before and preferred not to be involved anymore. Even with this last qualification (which I had hoped would spark him to ask why I stopped), he moved on, and I could tell he regarded me as weird or as just another college student who hadn't been exposed enough to the "real world" to really enjoy partying.
Even though I had known siding with Christ rather than with the world would always garner feelings of rejection, I still feel the pain. Even this mild feeling of rejection resulting from a simple "no thanks" was enough to make me remember how much I am going to pass over for Christ -- partying, girls, etc.
This is a massive area of temptation for me as I strive to expand Christ's kingdom for me, and I would absolutely love your assistance through prayer. I have six years to go at this school, and I would love nothing more than to associate myself with godly individuals (and, God willing, a godly woman). Unfortunately, these are extremely difficult to come by at a worldly university, but nothing at all is impossible for God.
So brothers, please pray for me to continue to strive for Christ amid the debauchery of worldly passions. Thank you.
For example, in one large ice-breaking session earlier today, an activity we had to do within a decently large group of people was to say our name and state something we like to do. The extremely large room (which contained a few basketball courts and a full-size track) contained almost entirely freshmen, but there were a few upperclassmen there. One of the upperclassmen stated his name and that he liked to drink, followed by some cheers and high fives -- which were supposed to occur if anyone agreed with him. What was even more surprising is that prior to his turn in the circle, no one had mentioned anything borderline debaucherous (e.g. "I like roller coasters," "I'm afraid of heights," etc.). Later, too, the same guy invited everyone in the circle to a party at what I presume to be his fraternity's house later in the night.
When he asked me if I wanted to go, I told him I wasn't planning on it -- I hate to equivocate or pretend to be considerate in order not to "hurt his feelings," especially in a matter as grave as this -- and that I had been involved with it before and preferred not to be involved anymore. Even with this last qualification (which I had hoped would spark him to ask why I stopped), he moved on, and I could tell he regarded me as weird or as just another college student who hadn't been exposed enough to the "real world" to really enjoy partying.
Even though I had known siding with Christ rather than with the world would always garner feelings of rejection, I still feel the pain. Even this mild feeling of rejection resulting from a simple "no thanks" was enough to make me remember how much I am going to pass over for Christ -- partying, girls, etc.
This is a massive area of temptation for me as I strive to expand Christ's kingdom for me, and I would absolutely love your assistance through prayer. I have six years to go at this school, and I would love nothing more than to associate myself with godly individuals (and, God willing, a godly woman). Unfortunately, these are extremely difficult to come by at a worldly university, but nothing at all is impossible for God.
So brothers, please pray for me to continue to strive for Christ amid the debauchery of worldly passions. Thank you.