Should I go to college? How to know if it's right for you

In my decades of working with young adults, the biggest question for 17-25 year olds is, "What am I supposed to do with my life?"

And the most common answer is also the greatest misconception:

“You can do anything if you set your mind to it!”

That just isn't true. You have not been created with a blank personality upon which you're supposed to add skills and passions. Instead, you actually have innate motivating factors (IMF). Even if that "blank slate theory" were true, it fails to give any clarity in how to find the best work for an individual. Instead, it's about unraveling the layers of your expectations to reveal your core motivations. So, how do you know if you should go to college?

Step #1 - Answer the question, "What am I designed to do?"

Psalm 139 tells us God is everywhere, even in the womb as you were created.

Exodus 31 shows us that God’s Spirit doesn’t have to be an overly-mystical gift that randomly comes out of heaven the day we believe; instead, it was very practical work. Bezalel’s calling and gift was a practical skill, but it was empowered by the Spirit. I don't doubt he continued to train and grow in doing this well.

First Corinthians 1:2-9 shows us that designed gift is enriched, empowered, and redeemed into its original, intended use when you are in community. Your design goes from black and white to color!

Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-26: whichever function you contribute with your design, be good at it! Be humble in it! And don’t try to be a different member! The purpose of all of the gifts is to serve the body to strengthen it (1 Pet 4:10; Eph 4:16). Being “highly called” doesn’t mean you’re “instantly professional.” For instance, Michael Jordan still practiced. Everyone I’ve coached over the years has to continue in their education, training, and mentorships in order to fully pursue his or her ministry. That's where college comes in.

"Everyone I've coached over the years has to continue in their education, training, and mentorships in order to full pursue his or her calling. That's where college comes in."

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Step #2 - Shine a good light on the patterns in your life

Think of some highlights, accomplishments, or most meaningful moments in your life. How were you functioning in those moments? How were you relating to others? Why was this important? When you feel most alive, what or who was around you? Look at the patterns in your answers to these questions. These patterns in your life speak into your calling if you submit them to God (Prov 3; 16:9).

As I coach young and old adults, I’ve yet to meet someone that doesn’t have a pattern. This pattern is fascinating to watch in action. No matter what the situation, this person is always achieving certain accomplishments or relationships. They work naturally with certain tools (hand tools, curriculum, people, computers, etc.) and somehow always find a way to use them. The goal then becomes to find a college major, industry, or job description that utilizes said tools, situations, and relationships.

Step #3 - Ask your friends and mentors for affirmation AND correction (NOT JUST AFFIRMATION)

Let me speak boldly here: you need the Church in your life (Heb 10:25). Discipleship, mentoring, and community are necessary in pursuing ministry. These people can speak into your life. They can help train you. There are even ministries that specifically coach you to discover your gifts! You need this healthy Christian community in your life for these reasons:

1. To learn (Col 3:16)

2. To provide opportunity and provision for one another (Acts 2:44, 45)

3. Accountability (Prov 27:17)

4. Encouragement for what to do (1 Thess 5:11)

Step #4 - Answer the questions, "What would God say about my core motivations?"

Like Bezalel (Ex. 31), we have to use our gift for God's purposes. Your design, your gift, and your job are ways to reflect God’s attributes. The purpose of life has deeper meaning for the Christian because we are representing the supernatural to the natural. What about God is your favorite part to talk about? Calling, purpose, and community have much better meanings in Christianity than any other worldview because being personally made in the image of our creator (Gen 1:27) for the hope of heaven lends an eternally impactful, eternally meaningful life on earth. After all, if you “do anything you want,” and you go out and conquer the whole world, you’ll realize that it was never the world that you really wanted.

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