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Day 37 – Service
If you’re anything like me, you’ve come to college because you believe that these four years will bring you closer to living a joyful and fulfilling life. And if you’re anything like every college student in the world, your vision for this life will constantly evolve and often change drastically. This uncertainty about the future is unsettling, and we have all felt it.
I’ll give you some advice that I have found extraordinarily useful. Don’t worry. Don’t worry one bit. Here’s why. Harvard researchers, authors, pastors, peers, and most anyone you ask will tell you there is only one thing that will ultimately make you happy: genuine, loving relationships with others. Luckily, we serve a God who is Love, and who shows us exactly how to find fulfillment.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Paul doesn’t tell us to start “teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” once we land that dream job. He doesn’t ask us to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” after we find our perfect husband or wife. Likewise, Jesus didn’t ask His disciples to finish up what they were doing and then follow Him. What He showed them, and what He’s continually showing us, is that you can start living your joyful and fulfilling life right now. It’s not easy, but it’s simple: love God and love each other.
By coming to Belmont, you entered into a huge new community. As a member of it, it’s now your responsibility to make it better. I challenge you to see your new neighbors in the light of truth, knowing that each and every one was ransomed on the cross and is loved infinitely by God. Keep this in the forefront of your mind and it will be incredibly difficult to treat each other with anything less than the utmost respect. Our Belmont family can be a special one, rooted in love—and it starts with you.
JONATHAN RANKIN | SGA President
If you’re anything like me, you’ve come to college because you believe that these four years will bring you closer to living a joyful and fulfilling life. And if you’re anything like every college student in the world, your vision for this life will constantly evolve and often change drastically. This uncertainty about the future is unsettling, and we have all felt it.
I’ll give you some advice that I have found extraordinarily useful. Don’t worry. Don’t worry one bit. Here’s why. Harvard researchers, authors, pastors, peers, and most anyone you ask will tell you there is only one thing that will ultimately make you happy: genuine, loving relationships with others. Luckily, we serve a God who is Love, and who shows us exactly how to find fulfillment.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Paul doesn’t tell us to start “teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom” once we land that dream job. He doesn’t ask us to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” after we find our perfect husband or wife. Likewise, Jesus didn’t ask His disciples to finish up what they were doing and then follow Him. What He showed them, and what He’s continually showing us, is that you can start living your joyful and fulfilling life right now. It’s not easy, but it’s simple: love God and love each other.
By coming to Belmont, you entered into a huge new community. As a member of it, it’s now your responsibility to make it better. I challenge you to see your new neighbors in the light of truth, knowing that each and every one was ransomed on the cross and is loved infinitely by God. Keep this in the forefront of your mind and it will be incredibly difficult to treat each other with anything less than the utmost respect. Our Belmont family can be a special one, rooted in love—and it starts with you.
JONATHAN RANKIN | SGA President
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
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We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
