Freshman Reflections From Belmont UniversitySample

Day 33 – Service “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 There are many in our world who cannot speak up for themselves, defend themselves or provide for themselves. Some are politically oppressed and face dangers to themselves or their friends and family members if they speak up. Some are economically oppressed and do not have access to the jobs they need to provide food, shelter and health care for themselves and their families. Some are too sick and weak to provide for themselves. The poor are often ignored by society when they try to speak up about their situation. They often do not have access to lawyers or politicians. The poverty in many places in the world is unimaginable to many of us in the United States. Many of these people fall prey to the selfish, greedy and corrupt. It is up to the strong in this world to provide for these people. It is we who are the strong. God gives us resources, and He intends for us to use these resources to not only provide for ourselves and our family, but also to provide for those in the world who cannot provide for themselves. God gives us intelligence, education, knowledge, skills, money, time, empathy and experiences. All of us are given something that we can use to make the world a better place. All of these things come from God, and are therefore Spiritual Gifts. Your set of Gifts is not exactly the same as anyone else’s, therefore your help is needed. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (I Corinthians 12: 7, 11). The Bible tells us “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27) It is not always in our power to act, but there will be times when it is. Sometimes it might be a very minor matter, or an opportunity of limited influence, but that shouldn’t stop us. During the next four years, you’ll gain exposure to the injustice and problems in this world, and you’ll be given knowledge and skills to do your part to ease the suffering. Take advantage of all of these incredible opportunities! DR. DANNY BILES Professor, Mathematics & Computer Science Department