Archive for October, 2008

Coming to CIU I was not aware of the “standards,” the subtle way the college calls its moral guidelines. At Malone we had rules and guidelines to follow, therefore once I heard of them I figured they were the same. Quickly I became aware this was not the case. Many of you reading this from Ohio know I love to dance, whether it’s at Dusty’s or swing dancing, if anything a major part of who I am. Another pleasure I would indulge in was a nice, smooth glass of wine at the end of the day or crisp gin and tonic.

The morning I arrived at CIU, all incoming grad students attended our orientation. The standards were briefly mentioned but never expounded upon. At this point, I did not think about them again, for there was no need. A few weeks, I discovered two of the standards were no dancing and no drinking. Shedding my true colors, I was upset! What right does the college have to dictate my actions off school property? I was livid about these rules I was forced to follow which I knew nothing about before attending. How could they neglect to inform me of such strict rules?

Surrender. A worship song many of us are familiar with. We sang the song the other day at church.
I’m giving You my dreams, laying down my rights
I’m giving up my pride,
For the promise of new life.
And I Surrender
All to You, all to You

The Lord desired to teach me a lesson, starting first with worship and later with a discussion. After class that week I talked with a professor and fellow classmate for almost an hour. I learned some important things…

The standards are voted on by the faculty, not the administration, for what is in the best interest of the students. Some of the standards are biblical yet they openly declare some are cultural, but the faculty still few they are important for the wellbeing of the students. What gives the faculty the right to decide what is best for my well being?

Many of you know my personality; I feel that neglecting an issue is more destructive than anything. Yet my professor, and a fellow student, asked me what harm would it be to not drink or dance for the next three of so years. I stated none, but how are they in any place to tell me what not to do? “Submission,” she said.

“Obey your leasers and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13.17. “Everyone must submit to himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Romans 13.1. Often we refer the Romans passage to the government, but even more, isn’t the church and seminary leadership established by the Lord? Even more, Paul says if we rebel against the authorities we rebel against God! Wooh.

The professor asked when was the last time I was asked to submit to an authority, in a practical manner such as this. I almost jumped forward, eagerly wanting to have a quick, sharp response. Nothing came to my mind.

Honestly, I was not happy when I left our discussion Thursday. I knew they had good points regarding submitting to authority. My fellow student said he looks at it as an extended fast with an opportunity to discuss it with others when brought up. Regardless, I was still infuriated for the schools audacity.

“…laying down my rights. I’m giving up my pride, for the promise of a new life.” During the talk, my professor asked me, “You may have been known as ‘Chris the dancer,’ but wouldn’t you want to be know as ‘Chris the follower of Christ?’” God calls us to submit to our authorities, throughout many places in His word. Even more, God is giving me a chance to grow closer to him, to lay aside a part of me that I embraced for such a long time, dancing, asking me to lay it aside, to fill it with Him.

I’ve always struggled with authority. If I found their thoughts and requests justified no problem exists, but when I feel differently, a major dilemma occurrs (I am a true post-modern). I prayed a dangerous prayer a week ago. I asked the Lord to humble me. I expected a small humiliation in class or something similar. Nope, he knew that wouldn’t really shake me. This is God’s response to my prayer. Acknowledge that He is in charge, that others have been placed in authority above me by his hand, and that I am to submit to them.

I know without a shadow of a doubt the Lord called me to CIU. Doesn’t that mean he knew the rules I would need to abide by? He is sovereign. He has a plan, one better than my own. Submission and surrender. I’m laying down my rights, for the promise of a new life in Him.

Surrender

I’m giving You my heart
All that is within
I lay it all down
For the sake of You my King
I’m giving You my dreams laying down my rights
I’m giving up my pride
For the promise of new life

And I Surrender
All to You, all to You

I’m singing You this song
I’m waiting at the Cross
All the world holds dear
I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You
For the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy
Even sharing in Your pain