Community Is . . . Role Modeling
Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.
Cal remembers when he was a kid and his family moved a long ways away from their church. The distance made it hard for his family to bring him to and from his favorite church activities during the week. A gentleman from church offered to bring Cal home whenever he needed a ride. This man was also a leader in the boys club that Cal had joined at the church. He remembers the life lessons that this man taught him along the way—while camping, working on different projects together, or just driving home. There were other church members who did similar things for Cal too.
Cal isn’t sure where he would be today if it weren’t for those people who invested in his life when he was younger. They literally changed his life and gave him something to aim for and imitate when he became an adult. Cal now gives back by being the same kind of role model to younger men in his church community. He knows how important community is!
Moses took Joshua under his wing and taught him about leading the people of Israel. In a few of the books of the Old Testament, there are stories about their interactions. After Moses died, Joshua was ready to take on the leadership that had been laid on him. That connection was important and prepared Joshua for his future. Positive community connections do the same for us.
Father, help us understand the importance of being a part of community for the benefit of those around us. Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is Director of Faith Formation at First Church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, emerging adult, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, disc golfing, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.
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