Hi Jaymie! Haven't seen you around here yet, but I see you are new? Welcome to CC
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I can see how it would be discouraging when those around you are not pursuing their spiritual life as vigorously!
I always wonder what other people are thinking. They mill about in their busy lives, stopping rarely to smell the roses on the side of the road. Beautiful are thoss roses, but we do not always see that when we're so focused on our own lives!
Take for example one of the greatest violinists in the world. He played one of the most complicated pieces in the world in a busy subway, dressed in street clothes. No one stopped to look at him as he played, no one recognized him but little children- isn't it funny how children are so hyper-aware, that they know beauty when they hear it? The musician's name is Joshua Bell: here is a video of what went on.
Joshua Bell "Stop and Hear the Music" by the Washington Post - YouTube
So those around you are not active in the Christian fellowship on your campus. Think from their point of view- what will bring them in? How can you appeal to them? In this world we are taught to be attracted to flashy shows, to loud declarations. But our lives are busy enough- we don't need that! Perhaps everyone would like to slow down a bit, unwind and be listened to- and perhaps you can appeal to that!
If your goal is not to bring them in and instead it is to keep from becoming stagnant, this world is a challenge to our faith. Personally, I have heard disrespectful words towards other people, towards religion in general, all over my college campus. I have seen the inactivity, and it is sobering! They should be reveling in the Glory of God! I am an introvert, while you seem to be an extrovert? That or maybe you are very dedicated to people regardless of introverted tendencies, and if this is true I applaud you
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Perhaps you need an addition faith community in your life. Are there any churches or youth groups near your college? This could help keep your faith strong, in a world where disbelief is all too common.
Otherwise, I'm afraid we shall always be surrounded by those who test our faith! I understand the frustration of it, and God knows how you feel!
Romans 8:35-37
Who will separate us from Christ's love? Affliction? Or distress? Or persecution? Or famine? Or destitution? Or sword? Just as it is written. On Your account we are being killed all day long; we are considered sheep for slaughter. But in all this we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Matthew 10:16
Mind you, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves; therefore be as subtle as serpents and as guileless as doves.
It is also hard not to harden out hearts to others that do not share in our Love as well.
John 3:17
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
When you catch yourself in a discouraged mood, try picking up your Bible, and go to where it feels right. I just ended up in Psalms, for example, and found a very enlightening prayer that I could pray in Psalm 51. Or, just pray. Explore why you are feeling that way, and have God help lead you in the right direction.
Peace!
