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Day 22 – Community
On my own first day at Belmont, many years ago, I recall someone saying: “This is your fresh start. This is one of the few times in your life when you can reinvent yourself. Decide now you who you want that person to be.” At the time I thought that process would involve only me. What I quickly learned in that first year was who I would become was not only determined by me, but was greatly shaped by the community that I chose.
In Proverbs 13, we find two very significant words: with and become. It tells us that those we choose to walk with help determine who it is we will become. It challenges us to consider more deeply our community. Instead of simply looking for people who are like the person we are—those who like the same music, think like us politically or have the same interests—we are challenged to look for people who are like what we want to become.
Want to become wise? Surround yourself with people who are wiser than you. Want to become generous? Live in community with people who regularly give of themselves freely. Want to become more like Jesus?
Surround yourself with people who are seeking. This is beauty of community. It is one of the ways God allows us to explore and grow into who it is He has created us to be. It is a tool by which we are sharpened and refined. It is a mirror that reflects to us His purpose and calling.
So as you begin this next step of your journey, you can choose. Choose to create a community of people just like you—those who help you maintain the person you are. Or you can choose to create a community of people you want to become—those who push you to be more, better, deeper. That is the kind of community Jesus calls us to—the kind that shapes and changes us and helps us to become.
What is it that you want to become? Who are the people around you who reflect that? How will you allow God to use them in your community this year at Belmont?
CHRISTY RIDINGS
Associate University Minister & Director of Spiritual Formation
On my own first day at Belmont, many years ago, I recall someone saying: “This is your fresh start. This is one of the few times in your life when you can reinvent yourself. Decide now you who you want that person to be.” At the time I thought that process would involve only me. What I quickly learned in that first year was who I would become was not only determined by me, but was greatly shaped by the community that I chose.
In Proverbs 13, we find two very significant words: with and become. It tells us that those we choose to walk with help determine who it is we will become. It challenges us to consider more deeply our community. Instead of simply looking for people who are like the person we are—those who like the same music, think like us politically or have the same interests—we are challenged to look for people who are like what we want to become.
Want to become wise? Surround yourself with people who are wiser than you. Want to become generous? Live in community with people who regularly give of themselves freely. Want to become more like Jesus?
Surround yourself with people who are seeking. This is beauty of community. It is one of the ways God allows us to explore and grow into who it is He has created us to be. It is a tool by which we are sharpened and refined. It is a mirror that reflects to us His purpose and calling.
So as you begin this next step of your journey, you can choose. Choose to create a community of people just like you—those who help you maintain the person you are. Or you can choose to create a community of people you want to become—those who push you to be more, better, deeper. That is the kind of community Jesus calls us to—the kind that shapes and changes us and helps us to become.
What is it that you want to become? Who are the people around you who reflect that? How will you allow God to use them in your community this year at Belmont?
CHRISTY RIDINGS
Associate University Minister & Director of Spiritual Formation
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 and staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
