But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, and envy one another. Galatians 5:22-26 (Andrews Study Bible NKJV)
Here is the scavenger hunt that led me to write this article: While attending a Social Work vespers, Dr. Desiree Davis, Associate Professor of Social Work, asked our group, “What about Andrews is more?” Ask yourself what your answer is to this question. Mine was simply “God!” I don’t know if you realize how blessed we are to attend a university where God’s presence is the daily focus. There are countless prayers of intercession for every one of us going to Jesus every morning, noon, and night. All we have to do is ask for help, accept it, and confidently enact God's intention. All faculty members on this campus were appointed prayerfully to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ on this campus. If you are upset or need help, all you have to do is reach out. We have chaplains, advisors, professors, student leaders, counselors, librarians, and many more who have sworn to help you in the name of Jesus prayerfully.
During the Week of Prayer, I pondered this subject as our guest, Pastor Taurus Montgomery, openly discussed his stumbling blocks and how God led him to his purpose. On Tuesday, I walked into the sanctuary, struggling to contain the emotions I felt inside. I tried to suppress the tears that insistently wanted to escape my eyes and constricted my vocal cords as all sang along to the opening praises. Imagine my utter astonishment when Pastor Montgomery stood up and was also overcome with tears, being moved by the Spirit (John 1:7-9, John 10:27) to lament over those in the sanctuary needing prayer and deliverance (Matthew 23:37). How many of you heard the calling of John 21:15-19 during the week of prayer?
I contemplated the week with the behavior of others weighing heavy on my mind. I had witnessed instances of unfavorable behavior of others throughout the week. So I asked, “God, am I to call attention to the workings of your adversary here?” As the Sabbath approached, I sought guidance from the Holy Spirit with intercessory prayer from the chaplains during Proximity’s Vespers and let go. The Holy Spirit hijacked my regular Sabbath routine. My alarm didn’t wake me, the 1st service didn’t air online, the virtual Sabbath school class audio was malfunctioning, and Pastor Rybachek stepped aside to allow Kari Gibbs-Prouty to give the sermon. A walk in faith requires surrendering.
Do you seek breadcrumbs from the Lord? So, with my lunch plans out the window and in a substitute Sabbath school class, I was reminded to accept the shield of the Holy Spirit with guidance. The sermon reminded me of the right hand of God and aligned with my Wellness 360 Limbo training. Then, with the close of Sabbath evening, I was blessed to spend vespers with the group at The Hillside Haven Home. Dr. Taylor gave a devotional about Puah and Shifrah in Exodus 1:15-21—midwives who chose to do what was right and serve God despite the king's orders. Dr. Taylor and Dr. Faehner closed the evening by answering how they met their beautiful, kind, and modest wives. How their wives' character drew their attention to them, and how they chose to date their wives with purpose and intention. You could hear the fondness both men hold for their wives to this day as they spoke to the large group of us gathered around them in silent awe, listening intently.
Do you believe our generation has deteriorated morally? How can that be if we are Matthew 7:7-12 Christians? We can appreciate professors who pray for us and stand firm in faith. The Spirit of God can actively intercede and inspire everywhere His people gather. So many young men and women here choose to serve God and follow the examples of their mentors serving Christ. I see your modest dress and temperaments so as not to be stumbling blocks to your brothers and sisters in faith. I see you serving those in need. I see you choosing words of kindness instead of words that hurt. I see you using skills of diplomacy and maturity, using proper channels and chains of command to address concerns or complaints. I see you ensuring no one is left out and never feels uncomfortable. I see a generation with conviction, purpose, and compassion ready to change the world. So, thank you, World Changers, for choosing more and improving the world with your footprints of faithfulness!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.