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Recently Greg and I had the privilege of attending a Vesper Service at Young Harris College. Bree, our adopted Aussie daughter, was speaking and invited us to attend. I loved Bree’s speech so much that I wanted to share it here on the blog. In it, she reminds us that we, the Christian community, need each other. As I pondered on her speech, I reflected on how important my Christian friends are to me. They are my prayer partners, my encouragers, the ones I study the Scriptures with, and the ones who laugh WITH ME at my Precept study drawings. I hope you are blessed by Bree’s speech as much as I was.
Bree, Greg and me – 10-26-13
Bree Gleeson – Senior at Young Harris College
I believe you need me just as much as I need you. I believe our basic need for others has come from our Creator, because just as we need others, we need God. Our Creator has designed every interaction with every person we meet. No matter how big or small the role of a certain person may be in your life, you must always be aware that the interaction is known by our God. For if you are not affecting the lives of others here on this earth, what are you here for?
The Christian community needs to stand together and support one another. Philippians 1: 27 (NLT) reads: “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” This verse tells us that we need to stand together as a Christian community. For this reason I need you, the Christian community, just as much as you need me to be a part of that community.
Just recently I thought God had left me, I was losing my faith. In fact, I thought it was gone. One comment was made that completely turned my thoughts around; one comment from a person I barely knew, and my fire for God was renewed. One small comment. Just imagine the impact one of your comments can have on someone. Live as a citizen of heaven. Surround yourself with people who conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the Good News!
If you stray, being surrounded by a Christian community will bring you back. That is why the Christian community needs me. As a community, we cannot afford to give up on one person. We do not want a light of the Lord to dwindle or burn out. Every individual light is important as the love of Christ spreads. We must always spread love, for you do not know the battles someone is facing, nor do you know the struggles someone is having behind closed doors. God did not give up on me, and He will not give up on you.
We talked about small interactions, but what about the big ones? Those friendships that last a lifetime. Those relationships may start as something small, like inviting someone to lunch, and grow into strong bonds. Remember, it was God who put them there in the first place, and He is the reason those relationships are so strong, because he is the rock they are built on. You are a mix of the people around you, so watch who you hang out with because in some way, they are influencing you, your character, and your personality.
Be a member of a community who will support you and lift you up; a community that will not let you go, and is held strong by the power from above. It will never be a waste of your time to get closer to our God. Find out what helps you stay close and grow in your faith. For me, it is being a member of a Christian community that needs, wants, and loves me, just as much as I need it.
