I just spent a week with people talking about loving people. As I prepare to serve as an RA, I've thought a lot about what it means to be a servant, and what it takes to be an encouraging, uplifting person. Of course, one thing that is crucial in any form of ministry or community is people. And so I've enjoyed being around other people on my staff who are committed to developing the community at Gordon. And yet, I think I just experienced my most important step of preparation a couple of minutes ago. You might think that involved an emotional moment with my staff or a moment of brainstorming with friends as to what sort of events I should do with my floor. In fact, I just walked through the woods by myself. But in those two hours of walking, talking to no one but my Heavenly Father, my spirit was refreshed and my motivation to love others was increased. In order to love people more, I needed to get away from people.

As I walked around Coy Pond, the beautiful body of water on Gordon's campus, I read through the book of Galatians. Encouraged by the message that my salvation has been purchased by Christ's sacrifice, I was especially struck with Galatians 5:13 which reads, "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." At first glance, I thought to myself, "Well, of course, I'm ready to humbly serve people after going through training and being around so many amazing people on my staff for a week." But then I hesitated. Of course, I want to be a humble servant but does that really stem from being surrounded by other people all the time?

Being alone with God equipped me with a newfound energy and a renewed understanding of my position as his Son. Because of my time reflecting on what Christ has done for me, I am now more prepared to love others. Because I spent time allowing God to pour into me, I now feel much more prepared to pour into others. Humble servitude is the goal. But humble servitude springs directly from humble solitude. Sitting at the foot of God, letting him renew you with His truth is the best thing you can do when preparing to minister to others. It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you hope to love people well, make sure to spend some time without people. Even if you're an extrovert, solitude can serve as a recharging of sorts, as God fills you up so that you can be emptied out for others.