Summer is over and here I am, back at school to face the daily grind of classes, homework and a forty-five minute one-way commute. Life is grand.  

   I have been a little more enthusiastic about starting this semester as opposed to others because this is the beginning of the end for me. My last year of college has begun. With that sentiment in mind, I have made time during my busy summer for self examination, prayer and goal setting.  

   Well, I hesitate to say goal setting. It sounds too lofty. I should say that I have set my heart to accomplish certain things. That is much better.   

   Over the past year and a half of attending this institution, I have met a multitude of people with different views, ideas and paradigms. I have developed a deep respect for many of these people and with that I have grown to respect what they think and feel as well. I stand firm in believing that people possess the ability to think for themselves and have the liberty to express those thoughts and feelings.   

   I do not condemn people who think differently than me, as I am always willing to listen and have civil discussions regarding differing views. I am not, however, as quick to espouse what I think and feel. I have so much admiration for those who are bold enough to speak their minds without reservation. 

   I have, however, realized some things about myself that I am asking God to help me change over the course of this new school year. I will be as blunt as possible when I relay these things to you. My main hope here is that I will be transparent and that in exchange, you will respect this willing vulnerability. I also fully realize that I am subject to criticism and mockery; I am ready for that.   

   I have not been the ambassador for Christ that I should be. Even the word Christian in Greek translates to “little Christ.” Now, I have not been smoking fat blunts on the campus lawn or drinking liquor in the bathrooms or anything remotely similar to that. I am pretty tame and must even admit that the expected party lifestyle is just not for me.  

   I have never been too comfortable in big social situations. I can fake it, but my eyes are always looking for the exit. I am a wall-flower and a total geek. By default, I gravitate to staying at home and watching TV, doing homework or sleeping.   

   I have just come to the realization that being one of these “little Christs” means I may be the only Bible someone reads, and I am being a hypocrite if I do not step up to the plate and love people as Christ has so plainly charged me to do.   

   I am hungry for impact on this campus and the only way to truly impact someone is to love them with the same love that the son of God displayed to all of humanity when he was raised up in glory on the cross. Jesus never told us to be exclusive in our expression of love. He did not die for an elite few. He was not beaten, whipped and tortured to save only Baptists, Methodists, Catholics or Lutherans. He died for all. In that light, I want to be bolder in expressing love and kindness to all.   

   I am in no way expecting everyone to convert to Christianity and start thinking like me. I am not the epitome of the Christian faith. Also, I would never condemn anyone who is not a Christian or treat them as a second-class citizen. Jesus himself said that he did not come to the world to condemn it, but to give abundant life.   

   No, I am not on a spiritual high and this is not just some radical phase that will sputter out in a few weeks or as soon as I have a bad day. I am making this my personal mission for the rest of my life. There is nothing in my flesh that wants to love others. Only with the power of God working through me can I strive for something such as this. 

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