What kind of advice does a fourth year student give a first year student?  It probably has to do with putting your nose to the grind stone, or some motivational premise for studying.  Well, before I share my brilliant thoughts, let’s think together.  Why are we at Bible College?  Think about that for a moment and then read on.  ‘To academically learn and grow in Christ to help us with our future goals.’  That general answer is one that would suffice for most of us attending Emmanuel, minus the exceptions of those who are either forced to attend or have no idea what they are doing here.  Ok, why do we want to learn and grow to help us in our future?
  If we keep asking the question of why, we will come to one conclusion.  I believe, though some of us may not know, that we are all here for the purpose of glorifying God and enjoying a growing relationship with Him, regardless of our goals in attending EBC.  That is, in fact, the very reason for life on this earth: To glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him.  Great.  So now that we know why we are here at Emmanuel, (pardon my forcing your purpose on you) the advice I wish to give you will make a whole lot more sense. 
 Surrender and be willing to change. That is my practical advice.  Surrender to God, and be willing in your heart to change.  We can all go through life saying we are Christians but if we are not changed by the fact that Christ’s spirit is working and moving among us, how then can we call ourselves sons and daughters of the living God?  Simply knowing that Christ died and rose again is not enough for even the demons know that and shudder.  God knows his sheep because his sheep know his voice- through surrender and the willingness to change.
 You ask me, ‘how does that look practically?’ I say, learn it yourself by surrendering and being willing to change.  He will transform you and instruct you in the way you should go even when you feel like you have no idea how to relate to God. The beautiful thing in all of this is that it is not up to us to change ourselves, it is all God. 
 One must be careful however, to not think that we are saved by our works, or that doing anything will change the way God feels about us.  No, salvation is by God’s grace alone and His unconditional love means we can do nothing to make Him love us more or less.  We therefore must never feel guilty if we think we are not ‘doing enough’.  We have to realize that devotion and service come from God’s power within us so that it is not of our own strength.  In loving obedience we pursue Him, not out of guilty obligation because we are forgiven people.
 As you surrender you will begin to realize that you are becoming like Christ and wonder how God does it.  You will realize that he pushes you to higher heights and that the things of the world fade away, and that his heart becomes yours and his wisdom becomes yours.  You will live in peace, joy, and constant fulfillment no matter what comes your way.  Life makes sense, spiritual disciples will be fruitful and enjoyable, and God is glorified through you- in which there is no greater fulfillment.
 Thus, my advice to those first years starting your career at Emmanuel:  Do your studies diligently, enjoy fellowship, and learn much.  But first, remember your purpose for life and that we are to love the Lord.  In other words surrender and be willing to change, God will do the rest.
 
Blessings of maturity in Him,
         
Your Student Body President,
Brandon Meyers