Should Christians Pledge?             

Teacher: Mark Williams

A sole academic life is not for the faint of heart. Students need an organization, an outlet, or just some place to belong and that can be provided in a myriad of ways. Whether it is through volunteering, job, or for some a fraternity/sorority. We have all had a comment about the Greek life ranging from "nope no way" to a person who has been planning to pledge since middle school, but sometimes you are a person who is stuck in the middle and if your a Christian the question can become even harder.

The first question of the night that I pose to you was simple; What do you think of when you hear the term sorority or fraternity? He encouraged us not to only look at our views but stereotypes and what people around us think as well. Some of us said sisterhood/brotherhood, parties, hazing, money, network, service and the list went on and on. The point is you know all these stereotypes or reputation that comes with the Greek life good and bad, but at some point you have to ask yourself why do you alone want to pledge and that question is going to follow you everywhere. Before you think about pledging anything you first need to know why and to those who are Greek need to remember why because if you don't it opens up the door for others to determine your reason and purpose. So should Christians pledge? The answer is it depends.

To the readers of this blog I am sure you were waiting on a yes or no like the rest of was last night, but the answer is that it truly does depend. Making the decision to pledge or not depends on your level of maturity with Christ. We were then taken to Matthew 22:21and from that verse we learned we must separate what is Caesar's and what is God's. In other words be in this world but remain obedient to God.

When deciding on whether to pledge you need to have a personal conversation with yourself and God and be honest if you can separate the world things from God things, because if you cannot then you find yourself serving two masters. We need to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves in everyday life because sometimes our priorities is that of the world and not of God.  You have to understand that Greek life requires a lot of time, but with that will you still make time for God as well? Will you still pray everyday? Will you still attend church every Sunday? Will you still read your bible? You have to ask yourself these things.

None of us like to believe that we can be influenced by anything, but your identity in Christ plays a huge role in that. How important is Christ to you? Is God a priority in your life? The bottom line is that pledging should and will change you and your identity will play a major role in that. Your identity is your influence. Some people are so influenced by the Greek life and process that their name changes.  Your identity is not just attached to a sorority/fraternity you still have other identities and depending on your influence it could affect other areas.

As you think about pledging and your identity remember that you now inherit the identity and reputation that comes with Greek life. Whether the perception is true or false you inherit it, but now your identity adds to it. What influence will you have on God's kingdom once you cross over. Whose light if going to shine brighter God's or your letters? Satan will try to make the things of the world your God. What are your principles, values, and morals? What do you stand for?

If you want to join anything first join Team Jesus. All the organizations are based on Christian Principles and if you understand how those Christian principle apply to you then it is an easier transition. So the answer again is it depends.

The reality is that God wants you to serve him. God wants to get the glory out of your life and if he can't through you in the Greek life then why are you doing it? Before you even think about pledging you need to ask where are my priorities with God?  God will give you peace on the things you ask him. Not only will things happen in your immediate life, but he will pave the way for your future as well. You do not want to lose your identity in anything.

Once you have made your decision seek wise counsel as well. Find a wise Christian and someone who is going to be honest with you. You cant do it own your own, but "be true to yourself before I tell you the truth" Seek wise counsel for life as well because as Christians we want to represent God well and if you are Greek still seek wise counsel. Seek God first because it is his kingdom we trying to build and his glory we want to show.

Questions to ponder?
1. If you are Greek what is your influence on your sorority/fraternity and how they influencing you?
2. If you are thinking about pledging what are some ways God can get the Glory out of you?