Crash Course in College Temptation With a little preparation and a lot of prayer, you too can overcome the temptations faced at college.

Your bags are packed and the car is loaded. You’re set to embark on the adventure of your lifetime thus far: college. Just the word stirs up flutters of excitement in your stomach. The anticipation of meeting new people, learning new things, and finding new freedom finally plateaus as you step onto the lush, green campus lawn, and survey your new home. You’ve made it!

However, college—whether secular or Christian—also brings about many new temptations that you may not have faced in your Christian life before now. Here are some practical methods, using the Word of God, to overcome the top ten temptations faced by college students.  

Putting off time with God

Undeniably, college is a busy time in a young person’s life. With classes, homework, sporting events, late nights with new friends and roommates, and of course, midnight snack runs, it’s easy to put time with God on the back burner.

The solution? Make an “appointment” with God. Schedule your devotion time into your calendar, and stick to your commitment, making it a routine, just as eating is a routine. Spiritual nourishment is essential to survival in college and throughout life.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

Doubting your faith

If your beliefs are based solely on your parents’ beliefs, and not on what Jesus Christ has personally done in your life, it will be easy to doubt your faith when tough questions arise. True faith comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Ask a trusted pastor or minister questions about your religion, beliefs, and doubts. Become familiar with God’s Word, praying for wisdom and understanding. The Lord is faithful to provide clarity to those who ask. Armed with the truth, you will be able to defend your faith when others challenge you.

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye:
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:
and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you
a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Accepting false philosophy

Any form of religion (from new age Scientology to ancient Kabbalah) is accepted at most secular colleges and universities. The most common answer heard when discussing religion is, “If it works for you, go with it.” However, believing in and following Jesus is often an invitation for ridicule. This makes it difficult for young Christians to talk about faith and easy to follow the popular religions or beliefs of peers.  

Do not be ashamed. Determine to represent Christ to as many people possible on your campus. Many non-Christians won’t agree with you, and may even persecute you. But you’ll find that your personal relationship with God will grow as you take a stand for what you believe and reach out in love.

If you’re attending a religious college, chances are at some point you will deal with some differences in theology. Keep your heart open to God. Ask Him to help you believe the truth and not compromise, even if the differences seem small. Again, talk with a trusted religious leader. Sometimes simply vocalizing your thoughts can make doubts and confusion vanish.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Desiring to fit in

The pressure to find a group of friends to hang out with does not suddenly evaporate once you get to college. This demand can cause so much anxiety that it is possible for you to give in to temptation and do something you wouldn’t normally do to fit in.

Remember, you do not have to fit in! A group of “friends” who place demands on you to go against your values and morals is not a true group of friends. Allow the power of the Holy Spirit to give you strength to stand up for who you are and what you believe! Doing this will prove to your peers that you are a solid Christian, and whether you know it or not, others will admire that in you.

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
(Proverbs 29:25)

Giving in to the desires of the flesh

Living in the dorms can bring feelings of freedom as well as loneliness. Those feelings include an increased amount of time spent with the opposite sex. Add to that the pressures of getting a boyfriend or girlfriend, along with the media’s depiction of casual sex, and serious temptations can ensue.

Decide your limits ahead of time. Draw a mental “line” where it is appropriate to stop physical contact with the opposite sex, and commit to it. You might ask a trusted Christian friend to help you decide on these boundaries and keep you accountable to them. Realize that it is God’s will for you to remain physically pure, as well as to guard your heart. Purpose to develop godly friendships with males and females, and hang out primarily in groups.

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body;
but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you,
which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,
which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Participating in the party scene

Wild college campus parties are among the first thoughts people have when they think about college. Often the mentality of the college student is, “I’m young, I’m going to have fun, and do whatever I want.” This mind-set is dangerous because it can lead you to succumb to doing drugs, drinking alcohol, or hurting yourself or others.

Plan other activities for the nights the parties are rampant. Schedule a weekly “Faith Party” night with other Christians and have good food, good music, good movies, etc. Fun doesn’t have to involve alcohol, drugs, or sexual immorality.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Obsessing over food and body image

Comparing yourself to others is natural; however, attempting to control food intake—whether by restricting or over-indulging—is not healthy. These behaviors can ultimately lead to more serious eating disorders and weight gain or loss.

Rather than thinking you need to control your food intake, ask God to help you control the thoughts that stem the feelings. Identify what makes you believe that your body defines who you are. Take all your feelings to God. You may also want to seek counsel in a trusted friend, or mentor to help you with this serious issue.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14)

Spending money

Financial freedom—whether or not you have a lot of cash—is a liberating and scary thing. Credit cards are easy to get, and it is far too easy to forget your limitations and get into financial trouble.

Create a budget of your income and expenses (i.e. tithes, car, insurance, food, recreation, etc.). Then, if you decide to get a credit card, determine how much you are willing to charge on it, or if it should be saved for emergencies. Think of the card not as extra money, but rather, a different form of money—like cash versus a check. Your total spending by any method should stay within your budget.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through no steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Forming idols

Idols can come out of many things at college, for instance intellectual pride and perfectionism, athletic ability or accomplishment, and extra-curricular activities. These things usually enter the scene as no big deal, but can eventually grow to consume most of your thoughts, time, and energy. The Lord desires to have your whole heart focused on serving Him, when these “idols” steal that devotion, your joy will also escape.

Be consistent in your devotion time, which is the only activity with an eternal value. Hold private praise and worship sessions in your dorm room or car. It doesn’t matter where you are; God hears your heart!

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

Cheating and giving up

College academics are very different from high school academics. However, that doesn’t mean you have to cheat to make it, or quit. If it is God’s will and time for you to be in college, He will help you to succeed there if you ask Him to.

Ask God to help you keep from getting too overloaded with outside activities so that you have time to dedicate to your studies. Nothing you do will come without effort, but with God’s strength and wisdom, you can accomplish great things. Just stick with it!

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:7-8)

With the Word of God by your side and always at the top of your mind, you can overcome the temptations facing you at college. The Lord wants you to succeed and He will help you do so. Just ask Him daily for His wisdom and guidance and you will get through college—and even have some fun!