The College Admissions Analogy

Good morning, Five Minute Families. ‘tis the season when many high schoolers are thinking more and more about their college applications. Some parents begin planning their children’s college years during pregnancy. For some families, they have been discussing details and needs every fall since 9th grade. For others, they are just now trying to figure it all out before deadlines hit. Articles abound with the six, nine, twelve, and even seventy-five (yes, SEVENTY-five) tips for getting into a good university. Do you spend as much time thinking about how to build a strong family in Christ as some people spend thinking about getting into college? Unfortunately, most of us just let life flow around us and fit God into the picture when it works for our schedule OR when everything around us is falling apart. So, let’s take the next few minutes to compare the college application process to walking the Christian life. First, God isn’t a college admissions team. He sent His Son to die for you. Believe in Him and you are in. By grace you have been saved through faith, that is the gift of God. You do not have to be good enough, try harder, clean yourself up before coming. And, there is no need to go dorm room shopping. God is preparing a place that is perfect for you! John 14:1-3 tells us, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” Second, college admissions want to see you stand out and prepare well for college life and making them proud to call you an alumnus. But, with God you cannot do anything to increase your chances of getting accepted because as a believer you already are accepted. Your children don’t have to be the best behaved kid in the room to prove you are a good and godly parent. You don’t have to say yes to everything you are asked to do in ord