Timeless truths from The Champion that span generations
THEN
From Debbie Johnson’s “Going home for many brings a less than wonderful vacation” (Vol. 2, No. 12; March 1985):
A big thing at LBC is looking forward to breaks, vacations or just a weekend at home.
… But for many, … going home means living with an unsaved family where every minute you must prove Christianity by being “perfect,” even though you’re still human. This break things can be different.
… Prayer has been the biggest help for those times when no one seems to understand. Not only should you pray, but you should let your best friends know the situation and have them pray.
NOW
For many on campus, this reality mirrors their own. During my time as a Resident Assistant at Liberty University, I had the privilege of insight into so many students’ lives, and every now and then, they allowed me to see glimpses of their relationships with family at home.
When school breaks rolled around, several of my residents stayed on campus for fear of returning to the discomfort and tension that pervaded their unbelieving homes. Many others, however, chose (with a little hesitance) to spend time with their loved ones in the hope of sharing with them the saving gospel of Christ Jesus.
If you are that hesitant student, firstly, know that you are not alone; there are others like you in the same boat, and you travel homeward with one who truly understands the anxiousness of your heart. Secondly, remember that it is the Holy Spirit who stirs the heart of the unbeliever, and that the task of drawing your family to Christ does not rest solely on your shoulders.
THEN
From The Champion staff’s “Goals give meaning” (Vol. 2, No. 8; February 1985):
“If you set no goal, you’ll be sure to obtain it,” someone once said. To obtain is the key, but there’s going to be lots of work involved.
As a staff, The Liberty Champion has set some goals for this semester.
… As Christians the number one goal is to know Christ. Individual walks may vary, but the emphasis should be the same.
… If you are to learn anything in your classes this semester, there has to be some type of goal. Whether it is a larger emphasis on studying or a simple non-procrastinator attitude, each student must set goals.
NOW
I typically associate new goals with the New Year’s Day countdown. Once the countdown reaches zero, my new self is born, and I begin an endeavor to keep up with the five or so new goals I’ve created. Sadly, my adherence to these generally doesn’t last more than a couple months.
Part of the reason for my failure is that some of the goals I set were unrealistic. Another reason is that I failed to prayerfully set goals that aligned with the Lord’s will. When I do submit them to my heavenly Father, however, I find that I pursue them well; God serves to be a form of accountability and motivation.
As we edge further into the fall semester, consider evaluating any goals that you have set for yourself, whether you should form new ones for the future, and this: Are you prayerfully submitting your goals, aspirations and ambitions to God?
Glen is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion
