NGU Skyliner

Leasy Sandal
Staff Writer

North Greenville University: “Where Christ makes the difference.” Every student within this campus is familiar with the University’s slogan. It is constantly printed and sported on T-shirts, notebooks and even sweatpants.

My original intention with this article was to lecture the student body about the difference Christ can make on a Christian campus, if only we would allow Him. To be perfectly honest, I felt for some reason that I had the right and spiritual authority to encourage students to form better attitudes.

Earlier this week, I casually mentioned to my roommate that I wished students would stop being so self-focused. As I complained aloud, a girl standing near me became visibly upset. This was when I realized how immature I was being. How could I possibly believe that I am any more like Christ than other students on this campus?

I thought, if only I could demonstrate to people that their attitudes are unlike that of Christ, the whole campus would experience an enormous spiritual revelation. Yet, no matter how many faults we find in others, we must begin with ourselves. A difference is not made in many people at the same time. A difference is made in one person, and Christ allows and encourages that difference to be passed along to others.

I had planned to sit at my computer and type this article in an attempt to reveal to students their selfish and foolish behavior. Yet, as I was complaining aloud a few nights ago, I blatantly ignored the other students around me in my own selfish desire to evaluate the problems that seem to plague campus. I soon realized that I most often find these insufficiencies within myself. My desire to see the campus turn to God comes from a deep desire to see my own life surrender to Christ.

What is the “difference” on this campus? Obviously, the difference is Christ, but what does that really mean? The difference is carrying one another’s burdens and encouraging those around us to pursue Christ with their lives. The difference is being willing to share Christ’s love, hope and salvation.

I am guilty, if not most guilty, of wishing others would live their lives more similar to Christ. My desire to see campus grow closer to God has led me to examine my own heart more carefully.

North Greenville University has the ability to be the difference in a world that desperately needs Christ. We must first begin with ourselves, and then encourage others to follow our lead.

Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 2

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 and is filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.