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A Sunday school teacher of mine once said “you become like the people you surround yourself with.” While I’m certain she isn’t the first person to have quoted this, her words ring true to me today more than ever before. The path set before the Christian is not a solitary road. Despite what the world may tell us, being alone, aloof, and autonomous is not a symbol of strength of Character.  Self-sufficiency can be the bane of humility.

I was blessed to spend 9-months at a gap year program in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This program, called Impact360, walked me through books, experiences, and disciplines, all which grew me in my walk with the Lord. While these practices were incredibly valuable and have transformed my relationship with the Lord, it’s not any of the assignments, trips, or even the habits which stand out to me in retrospect. 

What stands out to me as the most influential part of my time in Georgia, is the people. 

This brief 9-month span of life brought me into contact with the heart of Jesus through the amazing community I was able to live life alongside. I was able to see a large group of young adults, all friends and peers of mine, living not for themselves, but for God. Being immersed in that culture alone began to shape and transform my desires. Jesus met me at some of my lowest points through my community. The Lord brought specific brothers and sisters in Christ alongside me to encourage, convict, and point me back to Him. These believers spoke truth and life into me and the Lord used their faithful witness to demonstrate just how vast His love is for me. 

We need other believers in our lives. We cannot walk the path set before us on our own. When we try, we inevitably drift, becoming closed off and hardened people. The life that Jesus calls us to is one where we walk in the light and seek to stir one another up to love and good works.

We need community that is Christ-centered and authentically pointing us to Jesus.  We are called to actively build others up, while also inviting others in and letting them build us up. Regardless of our role, the words of one faithful Sunday school teacher still ring true today: “you become like the people you surround yourself with.”