It’s vitally important how we view life. Some feel they’re just an accident and as a result they drift through life with little purpose. Others really haven’t thought about it and so they get caught up in a mindless cycle of daily living. Others however truly believe that God created them for a purpose and for them - life is a calling.
Suppose we came upon three artists. When we asked the first one what he’s drawing his reply is, “Oh, I’m just doodling. Having a bit of fun.” We go to the second one and ask the same question. His response is “I’m drawing a nice landscape picture to sell to a friend.” We move on to the third artist. He seems very intentional and deliberate. We ask him, “What are you drawing sir?” His reply is quite different. “I’ve been asked to draw a masterpiece to hang in our town hall for the community to enjoy.”
To the first artist, drawing was a casual activity. He was just doodling. To the second, drawing was a job. But to the third artist, drawing for him was a calling. Three men with three very different approaches to their artistry.
People live life in much the same way. Some just carelessly drift. They have no clear purpose in life and just live for the moment. Others approach life as routine. However, others see life as a calling. They realize God created them for a purpose. Rick Warren in his book “The Purpose Driven Life” states, “Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He wanted you alive and created you for a purpose. Focusing on yourself will never reveal your purpose. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. Only in God do we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny.”
The Apostle Paul realized that life was a calling. Here’s how he viewed living. “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24 NLT) He penned to the Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)
“If I had a thousand souls, if they were worth anything, I would give them all to God,” wrote David Brainerd (1718-1747). “I see nothing else in the world that can yield any satisfaction besides living for God, pleasing Him, and doing His whole will.” Brainerd was a graduate of Yale University and served a fruitful life as a Presbyterian missionary to the American Indians. His life was plagued by difficulties. Still, in his short life of 29 years he had a remarkable ministry and authored 39 books.
Amy Carmichael – though often bed-ridden from a crippling disease – summarized her life this way. “The vows of the Lord are upon me, and I may not stay to play in shadows, or pluck earthly flowers, til I my work have done and rendered up account.” To Amy – life was a calling!
How do you approach living? Many, who view life as a calling, will tell you… the prospect of making a difference for God gives an edge of excitement to even the most ordinary life.
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
Psalm 119:33-35; Psalm 139:13-16; Deuteronomy 7:6
