Focusing

Well, I officially started college today. And through what I've seen over the past few days being on campus before all the classes started, it's becoming more and more evident to me that there are a few places that, as a college student, I could place my focus. Here's the list and a little bit of description:

The "MRS Degree"-Seeker

Here to find a boyfriend/husband. And no, I don't at all fall into this category. I'm not on the lookout; I don't even want anything of the sort to take place. Part of that, honestly, is because I have yet to meet even one man who is running hard after Christ. Now, granted, I haven't gotten to know hardly any guys ('cause I'm not looking!). But I'm growing a little more aware of how few men of God there are, even at a Christian college. But the main reason I'm not here after an "MRS Degree" is simply that I trust God to lead the man He wants me to marry to me at the right time. 

The Social Butterfly

I'm not looking for a mate. So, I could still just get to know as many people as possible, becoming gradually more and more obsessed with what they would all think of me, and gradually watching it become harder and harder for me to stand up for the Truth in any given situation.

The Studious Survivor

The other extreme would be to simply keep my nose buried in my books, not pay any attention to everyone and everything around me, and survive. This would be the "responsible" route to take, and my grades would probably be amazing if that was all I ever concentrated on. And, I could probably make it all the way through college without being much influenced by those around me.

But there's something I'd be lacking and missing out on if I followed any of these routes. Sinking into any of these ruts would mean I'd have to first forget that I have tasted of sweeter waters, I have already experienced a taste of the greater life I am called to. And because I've already tasted that, even if I tried going another way, it would have no savor for me; it would just seem dull and boring. 'Cause, here's the deal...I know Jesus!! I've been changed by Him. I've grown in my love for and devotion to Him. I've watched Him perform incredible miracles within my own soul and life, not to mention in others'. 

And so the decision I find myself facing as I enter college is this: Will I live for Him, or for me? That said, here's the "title" I'm going for during my time at college:

The Fully-Given

I want to be poured out. I want to be focused single-mindedly on the only thing--the only One--that ultimately matters. Jesus, make me wholly surrendered to Your will and to Your Spirit. My time is not my own, so don't let me act as though it is. My life is not my own, it's Yours, so why should I worry about what others will think? Help me live out the truth that I am Yours. Help me be a demonstration of a life lived for--no, lived by You. May I proclaim with more than my mouth that "There is no one else for me, none but Jesus, crucified to set me free. Now I live to bring You praise." Make my life a prayer and an offering to You. 

I know I've not signed up for an easy life, but I also know it will be meaningful. I know I can no longer live for myself, but I also know it's so much more satisfying to live for You. I know I'm completely incapable of living out the life I'm called to, but I also know You, and Your ability to do in and through my life what is utterly impossible for me to accomplish on my own. 

We're living in the midst of a spiritual war, and I for one want to be on the front lines fighting for my King's glory and Kingdom, not off in a corner piddling with my own little life and trying to make something of it on my own. I will die fighting if I have to (in fact, the idea has quite a bit of appeal), but by no means am I going to roll over and play dead for however many more years I may be alive on this earth.

This Is War!