Times are changing. A recent issue of Sojourners magazine reported that "social justice activism is thriving on campuses around the country. "Student activists are straddling the line between global and local problems, trying to discover where their generation fits in the struggle for justice. Many are coming to activism from their religious faith -- and others are not -- but all have a sense of urgency causing U.S. college students to mobilize, organize and act together."

As Multnomah students, where do we fit? If college students are rising up against the liberal ideology that pervades this country, should we join them? Furthermore, as Christians, should we lead the way with our ethics and morals? Should we tell the world how they might have life, and how that life can be satisfying?

As young Christians, we have some very big choices to make in our lives. We are entering a pressure-cooker world filled with facades and ungodly practices as the norm. Sociologists sometimes call us a Nintendo generation. Having some friends over with a stereo blasting over Nintendo can be lots of fun. But the distractions and time wasters like these keep us from dealing with the challenges and changes going on around us. We are going to have to deal with these issues sooner or later or reap the consequences of what we have not sown.

I desire to tell the world they need the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. But will my path lead me to meet and influence the rulers of the nations today? Not if I am playing Nintendo.

Recently, God has been challenging me to be a voice. I am not sure what He is thinking; I often don't understand. But as I study Abraham, I keep learning about his commitment to walk in faith. I need to start walking and see where God takes me. With God as my guide, should I fear the future? No, I should not.

To be God's voice is an arduous task, unless I look at Moses. I see the Lord speaking, "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say," Exodus 4:12.

I am weak. But beyond that, I don't think my voice alone should be heard. As Christians, we are all Christ-minded. We ought to join our voices to call attention to the righteous path set before us.

Our generation is seeking answers to questions they have not yet realized. Our parents' generation has left us liberal ideology. Our elders may guide us, but we need to lead ourselves by our own lives. We need to follow a vision of how Christ will guide our generation through the desert of wickedness. Will we pass in faith? Our wilderness is not the same one our parents had. We cannot hold to past traditions that will not minister to the present generation. If our generation does not see a Christian answer to the world, they will stay in the mud.

Let us give flavor to the world. We need to walk forward and boldly go where God directs, being lights and salt. Don't hide your lamp under a basket. Have a voice. Use that voice. Step forward in faith and say, "Here am I. Send me!"