Choosing a Major in College

Did you know that your interests growing up probably are related to the future direction of your life? What do I mean? From the time you were in kindergarten, God placed inside of you natural abilities, dreams and desires. When you came to know Jesus Christ as your Savior, spiritual gifts were added to the list. Today, you are on a journey to discover how God desires to use you on earth for His glory. After all, He made you.

Part of this process is choosing your college major. This can seem like a huge decision, but take a deep breath. It is important, but not all-important. Let me give you some tips in discovering your sweet spot.

First, look to Scripture. Scripture does not list all of the possible college majors today, but it does give us guidance. God will use your growing relationship with Jesus and the study of Scripture to help you grow into the person He wants you to be. As you develop your character, be amazed at how God gives you guidance from the Bible for your major in college.

Second, look for openings. These are opportunities and experiences that are right in front of you. In college, there are so many classes to choose from. You aren't expected to know what you are going to do with the rest of your life the day you bust out of the double doors of high school. These are years of discovery. There are many general education classes you'll need to take in order to graduate, but you'll also have opportunities to take elective classes that let you explore different areas. Look for God's "divine subject appointments." Ask yourself, "What does the world need that's a good fit with my abilities and interests?" This question could help you discover your major.

Third, look on the inside. As you take classes, stay in tune with the Holy Spirit's direction. Keep asking yourself questions: "Do I enjoy this class? What do I like and dislike? Could I see myself working in this field the rest of my life? If I could do anything I wanted for the rest of my life, what would it be?" Ask God to give you peace about your decisions. You might be surprised by what God shows your heart.

Fourth, look to your design. Paul says that each of us is "God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He created in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:10). God has designed you to make a unique contribution in this world for His glory. With a consistent and growing relationship with Jesus, this design can be discovered. God has designed each one of us with gifts, abilities and passions ready to be discovered and used in His service. On a sheet of paper, list your gifts, abilities and passions. Keep it close, and keep adding to it.

Finally, look to your local church. Don't underestimate the importance of having a local congregation of believers full of all ages surrounding you thoughout life. Make sure you become involved in a congregation near your college, not just a college group your own age. Get to know some people, and begin to serve. Ask them what they think about your gifts, abilities and passions. Chances are very good that as you serve, you'll talk about areas that are important to you, and others will see your God-given design oozing out of you.

This should be an exhilarating time of discovering who God has designed you to be and how He is going to use you in the future.