Campus Map: All about Campus and Career

Campus is the place of learning in a student's life. Campus life goes beyond academic programs as it offers a rich array of programs ranging from academic to various co-curricular activities. It provides a platform for students where they can invest their time and efforts to improve their skills and grow. Therefore, as Christians, we need to have better discretion in using the opportunity and time given to us. Scripture encourages us to make the best use of time. I would like to quote from Ephesians 5:15-16, “Be careful then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil.”

Making the best use of time and opportunity as a college goer means attending classes, working on your assignments on time, participating in co-curricular activities that interest you, developing your skills, taking time to rest and developing good friendships. Most importantly, seeking God in every area of your life and spending time with Him.

Being active on campus not only helps us to understand the current events around us but also provides an opportunity to get involved in bringing about change. Now I would like to caution you here, because many of us start right away, driven more by our impulses and emotions than by conviction, and a lot of things go wrong. Conviction comes when you share your burden on those issues in the fellowship of friends, praying and seeking counsel from God and mentors.

Friends and peers play an important role in one’s life. I want to encourage you to genuinely evaluate the kind of friendship you are cultivating. There are many good examples of friendship in the Bible, such as David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, Jesus and Mary, Martha and Lazarus, etc., One of which I would like to mention is Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (Daniel 2:1-49). Even in exile Daniel had godly friends with whom he could share his concerns. When he learned from Arioch, the captain of the king’s bodyguard about King Nebuchadnezzar’s order to kill them including all the wise men of Babylon for not telling his dream and its interpretation. He requested of the king that he would give him time. He did not rush to act, but went to his friends, prayed, and God revealed the mystery to Daniel in a night a vision. This not only saved the lives of all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and his friends, but also God’s name was glorified among those who did not know about Yahweh God. The story does not end with Daniel being promoted. It is mentioned that at Daniel’s request, the king appointed his three friends to be the charge of administration of Babylonian province while he remained in the king’s court. This is a wonderful example of how a friend looks out for one another.

It is a blessing to have godly friendships in life. If you don’t have one, pray for such friendship. However, I encourage you to become that friend to others first before God brings such friends into your life.

As students we know that campus life is not always about rainbows and sunshine. The pressure to conform to one’s peers makes it stressful, especially in today's era where there is so much emphasis on materialism. It is easy to get carried away and chase after those things, making them a source of fulfillment and identity in one's life and to gain acceptance from one's peers and friends.

A similar challenge upon Daniel and his friends is accounted in the book of Daniel (see Daniel 1:1-21). They were in exile in Babylon and had no choice but to obey the laws of that country and the king’s orders, yet they refused to indulge in royal food and wine so as not to defile themselves. Refusing to follow the king’s order could have had serious consequences, but God granted favor and compassion in the sight of commanders of the officials as Daniel stepped forward and requested to test them giving them vegetables and water for ten days. They could care less about not eating royal food and wine in order to gain acceptance and favor from the commander of the officials and the king. After all, it was just food. Their decision to honor God with their lifestyle was rewarded with heavenly blessings.

The Bible accounts that they were not only healthier and better looking than those who dined royally but they were also blessed with knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom. The king found them ten times better than all magicians and conjurers in his kingdom. Furthermore, Daniel was given the ability to understand all kinds of visions and dreams. The decision of Daniel and his friends not to conform to the Babylonian pattern is a great example to follow that provides inspiration and courage to keep our faith and make godly choices amidst peer pressure.

When we talk about campus life, we cannot ignore the challenges faced in pursuing a career. Every person comes to a crossroads in his or her life and is faced with the challenging question of what he or she should do in life or after college and what career path to choose.

I really like what Haddon W. Robinson says, “The Bible does not provide a map for life – only a compass.” I wish there were step-by-step guidelines for our life and career so that we don't have to worry too much or get confused. Truly, nowhere in the Bible will you find any verse specifying what you should do after your studies or detailed instructions on choosing a career. But God has given us the Holy Spirit as our spiritual compass who not only helps us navigate our lives but align us to God; like a compass, it keeps you from getting astray and also helps you find your way if you go astray.

In today's era, with a plethora of opportunities and possibilities, choosing a career can sometimes be overwhelming, leaving a person more confused and uncertain about their future. On the other hand, the uncertainties, fears and questions that arise within us are a great opportunity to get closer with God and grow our faith muscles. He can use your unique God-given abilities, talents and interests for your career, so stay tuned with Him and be open to new things. Never assume that you will figure out everything from the beginning. This has been a hindrance to taking action and growth for many of us.

You may have heard this advice about having a close relationship with the Creator to receive direction in life. Although the advice sounds old, it is vital that we remain in Him, because He is the life giver and gives direction to our lives as we choose our careers too. Nothing in life beats prioritizing a close relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter what we do or where we are in life, Jesus calls us to remain intimately connected with Him because we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).

Now you may wonder about those people who doesn’t know God having spectacular career, wealth, and even fame. But the wisest man (King Solomon) in history has already revealed, MEANINGLESS! He had all those things apart from God yet empty and he acknowledged it as chasing the wind. He then concludes in the book of Ecclesiastes that the meaning of life and everything we do is found in knowing our creator.

You can only know him when you are connected to Him. Abiding in Jesus is not only about finding direction in life, but also about finding meaning in everything you do and go through in life; the trials and challenges, the hard work you put in your studies, the little chores you do at home, every joys and sorrows, failures and successes, etc., When you are in communion with Jesus you will find the touch of divine and eternal value in every little thing.

As I conclude, I would like to highlight what Jesus said about the various concerns of life in Matthew 6: 25-32 and the assurance He gives us that we have a Heavenly Father who knows our needs. Whether you are in college or already looking for potential career opportunities, always remember that God will provide you with a career to meet your needs. He shows the key in verse 33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you”.

God will certainly bless you as you seek Him and walk with Him, but you have your own role to play in stepping out with faith and taking action, which means applying for and preparing for jobs, exams and interviews, and be confident of His plan for your life.

I pray that you will make it your goal to abide in Jesus every day. May all your endeavors, be it studies, job search, domestic responsibilities, etc., not be limited to mere drudgery and something normal and common for life on earth, but rather a journey of faith and hope, knowing that it has heavenly rewards and the assurance that your hope in Jesus will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).

Dr. Ushia Rai