Freshman Reflections From Belmont UniversitySample

Day 3 – Service
Take a moment and think about the people you admire most in this life. Often, when asked this question, many people answer with names like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa or Malala Yousafzai, as these are people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others. Still, some will answer with names more along the lines of Lucille Ball, Albert Einstein, Bono or C.S. Lewis. These people, too, continue to inspire countless people because of the work that they produced in their lifetimes.

So why is it, in your opinion, someone might choose to admire any one of these people?

While there might be several answers, 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” If we are to spend a little time interpreting this scripture, perhaps one reason why, from Dr. King to Lewis, we admire certain individuals so much is because they’re doing (or did) the work that they were created to do.

Do you realize that, like any person you admire, you have been given a set of gifts that are totally unique to you? The Bible makes it clear that believers are to develop their gifts for the sole purpose of serving God’s kingdom so that others may also see God’s love. One of the many advantages of going to college is that it allows you time to discover and develop those gifts, which may or may not be the gifts you have in high school. Once you discover what it is you feel you’re put on earth to do, or even as it changes and grows, not only will you feel more fulfilled, but you will also be honoring God through your actions to improve the world around you with those gifts.

Thankfully, though, while in the discernment and refinement process (which can take time), you also have the ability to use your gifts in another way—through practical service and meeting needs. Jesus makes it clear through His actions that He came to serve, not to be served. Those among us who are the greatest leaders should be the greatest servants. As you take a moment to reflect on God’s love and the many great things He has done for you, also consider how you can choose to serve and be a blessing to those around you—on your floor, in the city of Nashville, or around the world—right now so that others may see the love that drives you.

NICOLE PHILLIPS, MA
GPS Coordinator and Adjunct English Faculty