Every Christian teenager who is considering attending a Bible college and every Christian parent who is considering sending a teenager to Bible college would do well to consider these thoughts carefully. It seems that more college students are experiencing financial difficulties now than ever, yet the problem could have been avoided in many cases. Most Christian young people are missing a tremendous opportunity, but they don’t even realize it. Proverbs 10:5 says, “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” How can Bible college students avoid financial problems? Gather in harvest.

Anyone who has lived on a farm can tell you what it means to gather in harvest. Harvest time is the time when the crop is ripe in the field. The ripe field presents an opportunity. The crop has great value, but only for a limited time. If the harvest is not gathered in a timely manner, it will begin to rot and lose its worth. During harvest time, everyone must be working in the field. Those who work in the field secure a share of the harvest for themselves. Those who do not work in the field miss their opportunity.

Teenagers have a great opportunity to work and save for college. If a young person will work as little 10 hours per week and lay aside most of what he makes, he can get a great start on paying for his college education.

How can a teenager get a job working 10 hours per week? Teenagers can wash cars, wash windows, provide babysitting, clean houses, sweep sidewalks, shovel snow, rake leaves, mow lawns, pick up trash, recycle cans and bottles, and do a whole host of other small jobs if they are willing to be creative, take initiative and work hard. Beyond that, there are many opportunities with small businesses, construction companies, restaurants, and retail stores.

However, most teens are not motivated on their own to work or to save. Parents must help them see the opportunities around them and encourage them to take advantage of those opportunities. Someone must help them realize that it is harvest time and that they must gather in harvest. Do you know a Christian teenager who should consider attending Bible college? You could help that person immensely if you would take the time to encourage him to gather in harvest.

Brad Boruff is the President of Golden State Baptist College. He also serves as the church music director.

E-mail Brad Boruff | Follow on Twitter