Living Effectively
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
That was such a fun question as a kid. In your 20s, however, it's a bit more anxiety provoking. I'm currently a college student, surrounded by other college students, and we're all tackling that question of what we want to be when we grow up.
Some people have known since they were kids what they have wanted to do and others are graduated and still have no idea. I know several people who are in love with their majors and couldn't see themselves doing anything else, and there are others who have switched their majors multiple times and are still questioning if it is the right fit. And then there are those who are not even working at higher education because they do not even know where to start.
I think the underlying desire for both those who know what they want to do and those who don't is that everyone wants to do something important. Our time here is short so we better make it count. How can we get the most meaning out of our lives and potentially leave a legacy with the work we do?
Peter is saying that when we live with Christ dwelling in our hearts and are in tune with the Holy Spirit, God is giving us all that we need to live an effective life. If we put these on (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) He promises we cannot possibly be ineffective. Having godly character is more important than having an answer to "what's your major?" or "what are you doing after graduation?" God can do more with a person of these qualities than He can with a trained professional who is corrupt and consumed with their own selfish desires.
If you do not know what you want to do with your life practice these qualities first, bettering your character to reflect Christ's. In doing so, you not only will possess the godliness that we all may have but you may discover what you want to do.
If you are one of those people fortunate enough to know exactly what you have wanted to do since you were six years old, congratulations! That's awesome. But, maybe you aren't sure how you can bring glory to God as a doctor, real estate agent, lawyer, contractor, etc. You don't have to be a pastor or a missionary to glorify the Lord in your work and career. In any field there will be corruption and greed, but you can reflect the love of God and what kind of character He has to clients and colleagues. Infiltrate the darkness and brokenness where you find it by demonstrating the qualities that Peter listed. You can always show a part of Jesus to others through your actions and character without explicitly sharing the gospel.
As for me, as I have grown with God I have discovered new passions and desires that I would not have had if it weren't for my relationship with Him. I've always enjoyed helping people and the Lord has cultivated that desire as I build up my character and discover the ways He has equipped me. I may not be good at some of the more obvious skills like math or public speaking, but I have learned that simple things such as listening and having compassion are also skills that can be important in the right environment. I'm still not one of those people who knows exactly where they want to be, but I'm not one of those people who doesn't know at all. As I learn more about myself through Christ, practice the qualities Peter outlined, and discover more of the passions and talents God has given me I am figuring out more and more how God is honoring His promise for me to have an effective life.
When I surrendered my life to Him He gave me all that I needed to fulfill my purpose, and He has done the same for you if you've surrendered. It is just a matter of unpacking our potential and our abilities, but they are all from God so we must look to Him to figure out what they are and how to use them. Just be careful that you are not sitting idle, waiting for God to reveal them to you. So many people hold back from different experiences because they do not feel called to them.
I didn't feel called to go to Colombia when I was sixteen. I went because my parents wanted to go on a mission trip as a family and that is where they said we were going. Once I was there I was so far out of my comfort zone I was wondering what on earth I was even doing there. But God worked in my heart that week, because I showed up for Him to use. When the possibility of returning came about that is when I felt the call to continue mission work, even if it was just for one more trip. Now my whole focus in school is learning about people, social systems, family systems, and human development so that I can service individuals and families in poverty - emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. We have to experience things. If we are partaking in things that are in line with scripture and our call to love others then I think God will be pleased. From there, we determine what feels good and what we do not feel is right for us. I started college pursuing counseling, but it wasn't until I was in all of my psychology and counseling courses that I realized I do not want to be limited to addressing psychological needs from an office; I love going out and helping others through a holistic approach.
I conclude my undergraduate degree next fall, following a semester internship where I will be a case manager for families in poverty in the heart of our capital city. What if I don't like it? What if after all of this time in college I don't even enjoy what I have been focusing on for a career? Then I will take what I have learned from the experience and continue forward as I have been. I will continue to develop those characteristics outlined by Peter and seek the Kingdom of God, because if I do that God has already promised that I cannot possibly live ineffectively.
Lastly, of course, pray about it. Have a direct conversation with God that He will continue to lead you and guide you. Trust Him and what He has in store for you. In the process of uncovering it He is still using you in many ways. Right now, you are exactly where God wants you even if it doesn't feel that way. You will take something from this time with you that will help you in the future. He's preparing you and enabling you, as you are building your godly character, for an effective life.
That was such a fun question as a kid. In your 20s, however, it's a bit more anxiety provoking. I'm currently a college student, surrounded by other college students, and we're all tackling that question of what we want to be when we grow up.
Some people have known since they were kids what they have wanted to do and others are graduated and still have no idea. I know several people who are in love with their majors and couldn't see themselves doing anything else, and there are others who have switched their majors multiple times and are still questioning if it is the right fit. And then there are those who are not even working at higher education because they do not even know where to start.
I think the underlying desire for both those who know what they want to do and those who don't is that everyone wants to do something important. Our time here is short so we better make it count. How can we get the most meaning out of our lives and potentially leave a legacy with the work we do?
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sin. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rush welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:3-10 (NIV)
Peter is saying that when we live with Christ dwelling in our hearts and are in tune with the Holy Spirit, God is giving us all that we need to live an effective life. If we put these on (goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love) He promises we cannot possibly be ineffective. Having godly character is more important than having an answer to "what's your major?" or "what are you doing after graduation?" God can do more with a person of these qualities than He can with a trained professional who is corrupt and consumed with their own selfish desires.
If you do not know what you want to do with your life practice these qualities first, bettering your character to reflect Christ's. In doing so, you not only will possess the godliness that we all may have but you may discover what you want to do.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
If you are one of those people fortunate enough to know exactly what you have wanted to do since you were six years old, congratulations! That's awesome. But, maybe you aren't sure how you can bring glory to God as a doctor, real estate agent, lawyer, contractor, etc. You don't have to be a pastor or a missionary to glorify the Lord in your work and career. In any field there will be corruption and greed, but you can reflect the love of God and what kind of character He has to clients and colleagues. Infiltrate the darkness and brokenness where you find it by demonstrating the qualities that Peter listed. You can always show a part of Jesus to others through your actions and character without explicitly sharing the gospel.
As for me, as I have grown with God I have discovered new passions and desires that I would not have had if it weren't for my relationship with Him. I've always enjoyed helping people and the Lord has cultivated that desire as I build up my character and discover the ways He has equipped me. I may not be good at some of the more obvious skills like math or public speaking, but I have learned that simple things such as listening and having compassion are also skills that can be important in the right environment. I'm still not one of those people who knows exactly where they want to be, but I'm not one of those people who doesn't know at all. As I learn more about myself through Christ, practice the qualities Peter outlined, and discover more of the passions and talents God has given me I am figuring out more and more how God is honoring His promise for me to have an effective life.
When I surrendered my life to Him He gave me all that I needed to fulfill my purpose, and He has done the same for you if you've surrendered. It is just a matter of unpacking our potential and our abilities, but they are all from God so we must look to Him to figure out what they are and how to use them. Just be careful that you are not sitting idle, waiting for God to reveal them to you. So many people hold back from different experiences because they do not feel called to them.
"Quit waiting for a plan; just go love everybody."
- Bob Goff
"…put aside the passivity and the quest for complete fulfillment and the perfectionism and the preoccupation with the future, and for God's sake start making some decisions in your life. Don't wait for the liver-shiver. If you are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, you will be in God's will, so just go out and do something."
- Kevin DeYoung, Just Do Something
I didn't feel called to go to Colombia when I was sixteen. I went because my parents wanted to go on a mission trip as a family and that is where they said we were going. Once I was there I was so far out of my comfort zone I was wondering what on earth I was even doing there. But God worked in my heart that week, because I showed up for Him to use. When the possibility of returning came about that is when I felt the call to continue mission work, even if it was just for one more trip. Now my whole focus in school is learning about people, social systems, family systems, and human development so that I can service individuals and families in poverty - emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. We have to experience things. If we are partaking in things that are in line with scripture and our call to love others then I think God will be pleased. From there, we determine what feels good and what we do not feel is right for us. I started college pursuing counseling, but it wasn't until I was in all of my psychology and counseling courses that I realized I do not want to be limited to addressing psychological needs from an office; I love going out and helping others through a holistic approach.
I conclude my undergraduate degree next fall, following a semester internship where I will be a case manager for families in poverty in the heart of our capital city. What if I don't like it? What if after all of this time in college I don't even enjoy what I have been focusing on for a career? Then I will take what I have learned from the experience and continue forward as I have been. I will continue to develop those characteristics outlined by Peter and seek the Kingdom of God, because if I do that God has already promised that I cannot possibly live ineffectively.
Lastly, of course, pray about it. Have a direct conversation with God that He will continue to lead you and guide you. Trust Him and what He has in store for you. In the process of uncovering it He is still using you in many ways. Right now, you are exactly where God wants you even if it doesn't feel that way. You will take something from this time with you that will help you in the future. He's preparing you and enabling you, as you are building your godly character, for an effective life.
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
- Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
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