Timeless truths from The Champion that span generations
THEN
From the Liberty Champion’s “Advice from a graduating senior” (Vol. 17, No 11; November 1999):
I thought I’d leave the student body with some friendly advice, summing up much of what I’ve learned about living away from home on a college campus.
Practical things:
— The more socks and underwear you have, the less laundry you’ll have to do.
— Buy a coffee pot.
— Keep your room clean. It’s part of being a good steward of what God’s given you. Plus, you won’t have to look for lost items or worry (too much) about room checks.
Living with others:
— When someone wrongs you, forgive. Someone once said, “Resentment is like taking poison and hoping the other guy dies.”
If I could give only one piece of advice:
— Never, never put anything before God.
NOW
Socks and underwear always seem to disappear, and the DeMoss Starbucks line seems to be endless. College is already hard, so make it easier and buy an abundance of clothing items you wear and make the caramel iced coffee in your dorm. Like Walmart’s slogan says, “Save money. Live better.”
Especially when you share a space with someone, make sure your room is clean. It’s respectful to both you and your roommate. When Wednesday and Friday come, you won’t have to wake up an extra 30 minutes early just to make sure your room is tidy for your RAs.
Don’t let unforgiveness be a pattern in your life. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
Above all else, put God first. As easy as it sounds, it’s not. Idols can creep in and become the first priority, but remember, we are created to glorify the Lord and to die to ourselves.
THEN
From the Liberty Champion’s “It is never too late for a change” (Vol. 8, No. 24; April 1991):
Maybe our lights have been dimmed just a bit.
Maybe we need to reevaluate why we came to Liberty instead of another school.
Maybe we can care more about how others feel instead of how we feel.
Maybe we need to spend more time with God and spend less time wasting time.
Maybe we can be more thankful for Jesus, who died for us all.
Maybe we can love each other, all of us.
Maybe it is not too late to change.
NOW
Maybe you are tired, weary and going through the motions in your faith.
Maybe you are in a dry season and it feels like God is far from you.
Maybe you haven’t spent time with the Lord in a while and think it’s too late to get back into it.
I have good news for you! You don’t need to hide from God like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. God sees you, and he wants you to come to him. His arms are open. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” God sees everything about you, even the broken piece you think he can’t fix. You are never too far gone.
Maybe complaining has taken a hold of you. Be honest with God and tell him how you are feeling. Allow him to change your thoughts and mindset. Allow thankfulness to fill your heart and reflect on what Jesus did for you.
Love one another. Even when your roommate is bothering you to no end, love them. Love the man in the Toyota Prius who is driving 15 mph under the speed limit.
It’s never too late to change. It’s never too late to open your Bible and talk to God, but one day it will be.
Denny is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion
