Lipscomb University - Backlog Yearbook (Nashville, TN)

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YOUTH AND DECISION by Batsell Barrett Baxter Machines do not make decisions. Animals cannot make really significant decisions. Only people, made in the image of God, have the power of making definitive decisions. Ultimately the success or failure of each of our lives is largely determined by the decisions we make. We are thankful that when God created us he gave us the power of making rational choices. Where will we live? Whom will we marry? What vocation shall we choose? What values shall we deem most important? What life goals shall we seek? How shall we spend our money? What kind of life-style shall we choose? What role will self-disci- pline play in our lives? Shall we drink? Or smoke? Or indulge our passions? What relationship will we have with God? With Christ? With the church? How shall we deal with our fellowmen? With things? With time? What will be our eternal destiny? In deciding all these matters we are wise if we look into the future and anticipate the major deci- sions that we are to be called upon to make. Wrong actions often result from hasty decisions. De- cisions made without proper guidance are often faulty. Adam and Eve made a tragic blunder for themselves and for all humanity because they made a major decision without knowing all the facts. It is also dangerous to make decisions when under heavy social pressure, or when tired and ex- hausted, or when emotionally stirred. Important de- cisions are made best when made deliberately, after much thought, and after studying all the facts involved. Moral and ethical decisions are best made after a careful study of the principles taught in God’s word. More than mere reading, or even learning, is de- sired. The principles must be lived with until they have become emotionalized attitudes. Joseph and Daniel made good decisions under difficult circum- stances, because they had previously made com- mitments to solid principles. We are wise if we seek the advice of judicious friends. We are wise if we are aware that Satan “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). We are also wise if we remember that Christ has promised “‘I will be with you always” (Mat- thew 28:20). Our major decisions should be made with eternity in mind. While important decisions must be made at alll stages of life, there is no period in life when more crucial decisions are made than in youth. Decisions made during the college years will largely deter- mine the ultimate course of one’s life. Decisions made in youth likewise determine the happiness or sorrow of one’s later years. Most important of all, they materially affect one’s eternal destiny.

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EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES by Dr. Axel Swang Contrary to what some are saying, because so many students in colleges and universities have turned to majors in Accounting, Management, Fi- nance, Marketing, and other business-oriented fields, employers of such graduates will continue to be ina “puyer’s market.” As a result, employers will pick those graduates who have the highest grade-point average, and those who participate in campus ac- tivities will get the better jobs. However, as the Southern Regional Education Board has pointed out for the year 1985, certain types of majors will have relatively little difficulty in obtaining positions in indus- try. For example, for the approximately 44,000 Ac- counting majors projected to be graduated in 1985, there will be 9,750 to 11,000 positions available: for those majoring in Business Management (approxi- mately 36,280), a total of 78,400 to 84,500 positions will be available; and for the 2,700 graduates in Computer Science Information Systems, there will be 4,300 to 4,900 positions open. (These statistics apply only to the southern region of the United States.) The business climate of the 1980’s will also require that Accounting and business graduates be well qualified in computer technology and what is gener- ally called “quantitative methods.” This means that such graduates must be those who can assemble variables, assimulate the facts, and then make viable decisions — decisions that will lead to more profits for his her employer in a highly competitive society. Lipscomb graduates majoring in Accounting and business-related areas are in a very favorable posi- tion because of the nature of Liposcomb‘’s emphasis on a quality education in a spiritual environment.