FRESHMAN 101 – SURVIVAL SKILLS

Taught by: Ministers Lindsay Marsh and Tameshiah Shipley

Min. Lindsay and Tameshiah stressed the point of maximizing our time while at a university. Min. Lindsay stated, “What you do with these four years of life can make or break you.”

Ecclesiastics 3:1 begins saying that “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” With this in mind, we, as students should understand that college is also a season that we live through. It is important for us to realize how to adapt to this season by changing habits or actions that would hinder both our academic and spiritual growth. In other words, we should all be “season sensitive” in order to maximize the use of your time and maximize the blessings that God will give to you.

Matt 6:33 says “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This verse emphasizes the need for students to truly trust in God to provide our needs. Min. Tameshiah shared her story of being overly-active during her GWU experience partly because of her lack of faith in God. For example, she was a Residential Assistant for two years at GWU in order to take away the burden of paying for housing expenses from her family. However, in retrospect, she felt that if she had just truly trusted in Jesus Christ— who she knew had her best interest in heart and could supply all of her need— then she might not have become an RA in light of being very busy with other activities at GWU. Min. Tameshiah advised that we not become so active that we exhaust ourselves. Create a balance at school. Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” Lastly, always remember that we should trust in God to fulfill our needs just as Matthew stated in chapter 6:33 (above).

However, being active is good; being a lazy procrastinator is not maximizing the time you were given for this season in your life. Proverbs 19:5 tells us, “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.” In summary, laziness is the equivalent of wasting the talents that God gave to you and will ultimately keep you from receiving the blessings that God gave to you.

THE BASICS

The number one rule in this discussion is about dressing as if you are representing our Heavenly Father. If we will get dressed up to go on a date, or go to a party and impress girls, guys and friends, then why would we do any less for our Creator? Samuel 16:7 states that “Man looks on outward appearance, but God looks at heart.” Although, God knows us and loves us for who were are, humans will judge us shallowly based on our physical appearance. Because of this, we should practice hygiene and walk out of our dorms and homes as if we are representing God Almighty. Our Father is a King, and we are his children. Therefore, we should DRESS as if WE REPRESENT a KINGDOM, NOT A CAMPUS.

Be Like Daniel

The bible talks about how Daniel was young, handsome, a quick learner, and understanding in all wisdom & dreams. (Daniel 1:4) So when you are going through school, look at Daniel’s example. Confess that you too will be blessed in all of the ways that Daniel was blessed by God. This is your time to be blessed by God, highly favored, preferred and found to be ten times better in whatever you do by professors, interviewers, faculty, organization leaders and bosses. All you have to do is proclaim it, believe and it shall be done!

SOCIAL SCENE

The topic of this discussion was all inclusive to vices such as Clubs, Parties, Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol, Sex etc. When it comes to these aspects of the Social Scene, we need to always be mindful that just because these things are lawful in the eyes of our United States Justice court does not mean that it will be favored in the eyes of God. His judgment is the most important. Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

In regards to sex and drinking the bible gives these verses: Proverbs: 31:3 reads, “Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.” Verse 31:4 states, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to consume strong drink.”

Substances such as drugs and alcohol are mind altering drugs that are not helpful to us and more importantly make us forget the law of our God. In order to please the Lord, we must make a personal conviction in our hearts with an understanding in the Lord so that we will have a spiritual foundation that will sustain you to withstand trails. We can still look fly and have flavor while still following in Jesus’ word. Let’s still have a good time, but do it right! Still engage in college life and enjoy, but still avoid the madness, sin and the appearance of evil. Surround yourself with Godly friends who are sharp in spirit and lifestyle. This will make it easy for you to maximize your time at school, maximize your college enjoyment, and maximize your blessings.