Have you ever thought about how much the people around you shape who you are? Think about your family, your teachers, your friends, your coaches, and people at church. God puts people in your life for a reason, whether for a season or a lifetime. He uses these people to help us grow, learn, and become the best version of ourselves.
Dallas Willard, a famous Christian writer, once said, “We are who we are in Christ as a result of a series of someones.” That means none of us will become who God wants us to be all by ourselves.
As believers, we understand that God puts people in our lives for a reason, and it’s up to us to recognize the importance of these relationships. At Abundant Life, we believe the people God puts in your life are your community, and each person in your community has a different role. Let’s look at three important kinds of people God wants to put in your life.
1. Coaches: People Who Guide You
Have you ever had a coach? Maybe you play basketball, soccer, or another sport. Coaches are the people who help you get better. They show you what to do, correct your mistakes, and cheer you on. But did you know you can have coaches in other parts of your life, too?
What is a Coach?
A coach is someone who is a little farther along the road than you. They might be older, or maybe they just have more experience in something you want to learn. They know what it’s like to be where you are, and they want to help you succeed.
John Maxwell, a well-known leadership teacher, says a good coach is:
- A good role model
- Available to help you
- Has a proven track record (they’ve done what you want to do)
A coach doesn’t want anything from you. They just want to help you because they care.
Why Do You Need a Coach?
The Bible says, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). When you understand that God puts people in your life for a reason, you realize it is wise to get advice and help from people who have been where you are before. Coaches can help you avoid mistakes, encourage you when things get tough, and celebrate with you when you win.
How to Find a Coach
You can find coaches in your youth group, in small groups, or even among the church staff. Look for someone who is living out their faith in a way you admire. Don’t be afraid to ask them for advice or to spend time with you. Most people are honored to help!
Tip: If you see someone who is good at something you want to learn, just ask, “Can you show me how you do that?” or “Can I talk to you about something I’m working on?” You might be surprised how willing people are to help!
2. Counselors: People Who Care About Your Heart
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we feel sad, confused, or even angry. We all go through tough times, and that’s okay! God puts people in your life to help you through hard times because He cares about how you feel.
What is a Counselor?
A counselor is someone who listens to you, cares about your feelings, and helps you figure out what’s going on inside your heart. Counselors can be professionals, like those at the Abundant Life Counseling Center, or they can be trusted adults like a pastor, a teacher, or a family friend. God puts them in your life to help you talk about your problems and find solutions based on God’s Word. They help you understand your emotions and give you tools to handle life’s challenges.
Why Do You Need a Counselor?
Sometimes we try to handle everything ourselves. We might think, “I don’t need help,” or “I should be able to fix this on my own.” But the reason God puts people in your life is that He doesn’t want you to go through life alone. Even the strongest people need help sometimes.
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). That means God wants you to have a full, joyful life, not one weighed down by sadness or worry. Counselors help you see things more clearly and remind you of God’s love and truth. They can help you heal from hurt and find hope for the future.
Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, just talk to someone you trust at church. They can help you find the right person to talk to.
3. Comrades: Friends Who Walk with You
Who are your closest friends? God made us to live in community, not to be alone. You may have varying degrees of friendship, with some people in your inner circle and others in your outer circle as acquaintances. Friendship is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.
Why Do You Need Comrades?
The Bible tells us the reason God puts good friends in your life: “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). Good friends encourage you, challenge you, and help you make good choices. When you have friends who love Jesus, they can help you stay close to Him, even when life gets tough.
If you are looking for good friends, the key is to become the friend you want to have. As you grow in your ability to be a good friend, you will attract people who desire the same things. At church, some of the best places to find friends are the ministries that are designed for your age group. If you’re shy or new, that’s okay! Everyone feels that way sometimes, but the more you get involved, the more people you’ll meet.
Tip: Invite someone to sit with you or join you in an activity. Sometimes all it takes is one invitation to start a great friendship.
4. Community: Where You Belong
God puts people in your life for a reason, and that reason is community. All these “someones,” coaches, counselors, and comrades, come together to create your community. These are the people God gave you to do life with, because He made us to be part of a family where we belong.
What is Community?
Community is a group of people who know you, love you, and care about you. It’s a place where you can be yourself, ask questions, and grow in your faith.
In Romans 12:5, Paul describes the church as a body. He says, “…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5). That means we all have a part to play. When we work together, we can do so much more than we could ever do alone!
Why Do You Need Community?
Being part of a community helps you feel connected and supported. When you’re part of a group, you know you’re not alone. You have people to celebrate with when things go well, and people to help you when things get tough. Community is where your coaches, counselors, and comrades walk with you as you follow Jesus. As you walk with the people God puts in your life, celebrate them and thank them for the roles they fill.
How to Find Community
There are many ways to get connected with community in a local church! Here are a few ideas:
- Join a small group: Small groups are a great way to make friends and talk about life and faith.
- Get involved in a ministry: Come to youth group, retreats, or service projects.
- Serve on a team: Helping others is a great way to meet people and make a difference.
- Attend church events: Look for ministries and events created for people in your age group, and go with the intention of meeting people.
No matter where you start, the important thing is to recognize that God puts people in your life for a reason. He will bring the people you need when you need them. You just need to be obedient to follow where He leads you!
Your Next Step
God has great plans for your life. He wants you to grow, learn, and become the person He created you to be. But you can’t do it alone! You need coaches, counselors, comrades, and a community to support you.
Take a moment to think about the people in your life right now. Who are your coaches? Who are your counselors? Who are your comrades? Who is your community? Our prayer for you is that you’ll understand that God puts people in your life for a reason and thank Him for the friendships He has blessed you with. We believe God will use these relationships to help you live the abundant life He promises.
Are you ready to get connected with community? Groups at Abundant Life are biblical communities living on mission. Find your people here!