Light
for the path MOLLY WOTTON | SUNZ Youth Camp Leader
W
hen thinking of community, I look at the small snippet of scripture from the book Proverbs chapter 27 verse 17: “As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another” or “Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other”.
This verse for me highlights the choice and privilege we have, to be intentional about who we walk through life with. Take the classic fruit example for thought, if a mouldy apple is placed next to a perfectly ripe apple, eventually that apple will become mouldy also. It’s similar with people. If we are spending time with unhelpful people whose influence is not so great, it can transfer and affect us significantly. Perhaps you spend time with someone but leave feeling drained or not heard/cared about. Alternatively, If we are spending time with others who are focused, motivated, exciting, joyous, encouraging and invested in us… Surrounding ourselves with that energy can do wonders! As I’ve become a young adult, I’ve noticed how important it is to be intentional and selective when it comes to community. And though ´selective´ it is not intended to exclude people, but rather ensure that the people you do chose to have close by are ones that will lift you up, support you and ultimately push you to be the best version of yourself. From a faith perspective this could look like fellow believers 24 www.sunz.org.nz
who encourage you spiritually and perhaps bring the Imago Dei out of you - your true self, who God made you to be. You may also surround yourself with people not of a faith background who possibly do the same, maybe even motivate you in your career and to chase your dreams… Finding people who lift you up is how you can curate a community you would like to be a part of. God has generously gifted us many people to meet/cross paths within life and in the current world climate of Covid, we in Aotearoa are in a position of even greater privilege! We can physically meet with these communities and people in person, with minimal consequences. And because that’s our norm, it’s easy to take it for granted. Maybe now, the middle of the year, when temperatures drop and it’s harder to get out of bed, this time of year can get a little slumpy… But maybe now is actually a great time to reflect, thank God for our privileges, look at the people you surround yourself with. I encourage you to invite God into that journey, have peace knowing he’s got your back. And with God, we have the ability to choose who we spend our time and energy with. Find people who sharpen your iron, uplift you and when you see them your cup is left full and overflowing, not empty.
