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| Hey! |
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| I've been thinking. |
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| Thinking some more. |
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| And |
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| Freaking out. |
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| A lot! |
I am going to be graduating this spring, and turning eighteen this fall. That being said I realized I need a game-plan for my adult life. At least, one for the immediate future, so that I can support myself as life unfolds. How does a man know what to do with his life?
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| It's so hard to know. |
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| But yet so easy! |
Just ask yourself this question: What am I living for? Ultimately the answer to this question should make your game-plan in life very clear. Because what you live for,(Your life goals, greatest passions, and sole purpose) is what you should be chasing in life. Ultimately a man will try to satisfy himself in life, with the things that he loves, and will do whatever he needs to in order to get them. If you are living for sports...football? Then seriously, your game-plan in life will probably involve joining an NFL team, or just getting whatever job, and following a team being the perfect fan. I'm sorry...that really wasn't a good example...Hmm...Jimmy is unsaved. He is 18 and now he is an adult, and he is about to enter his adult life, and his biggest passion is money. He loves money and expensive things. He loves popularity. So he decides to go to college, in order to try to get a good job, so that he can live a comfy life and buy all of the things that he desires. He gets his master's degree in rocket science,(Haha) and starts earning millions. He buys a mustang and a mansion. Seems like his sole goal and purpose in life is to please himself with nice things, as well as to invent a super-duper rocket with special science enabling it to fly to the neighbor galaxy and start a colony there on planet Yuorgamenstz.
What am I living for? What is my sole purpose in life here on earth? Being a Christian, my greatest purpose in life is to serve God. To follow Him and be obedient to His will. To praise Him. To glorify Him. A sinner saved by grace should have a passion to do the bidding of the Lord, and to not hesitate to listen and act on the calling of the Lord. Whether we want to or not, us Christians need to obey the calling of the Holy Spirit. So, that being said, my game-plan in life needs to praise and glorify God. It needs to involve pleasing the Lord and living for the purpose of doing His divine bidding.
So I have been praying a lot about it, asking God to show me what I should do. The first thing that comes to mind when trying to live a God centered life is becoming a missionary-evangelist to another country. It is a very sacrificial life, for the purpose of reaching and helping the lost across the world, with the gospel as well as supporting education and helping provide food. Ultimately to spread the gospel though. Being a missionary is a very good way to serve God, and it is by all means necessary. We need missionaries. I have considered being a missionary, but I just don't feel God calling me in that direction. I realize that here in America, there is just as much need for the gospel as other countries. Also, most missionaries are supported by churches. So missionaries need churches, and churches need missionaries. They are both good and essential. We do need to reach other countries with the gospel. But we also need to keep reaching America, and keep churches running throughout America. If every Christian in America decided to be a missionary, how would there be any support for them?
Mark 16: 15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Matthew 28: 19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The meanings of these verses seem very clear to me. As Christians and disciples of God we need to go into the whole world and teach people the gospel, as well teaching the rest of the commandments in the bible. We need to reach people throughout the world.
The United States of America is part of this world. We are by no means a nation not to be reached. So I have prayed about this a lot, and put a LOT of thought and meditation on the topic...As of now, I do not feel a calling to be a full time missionary to a third-world/foreign country. This may change! The Lord speaks to us in strange ways and often quite suddenly. One day you might feel you know exactly what you are meant to do, and the next day you may feel a strong calling in a different area. I don't know...maybe I am not making any sense. But anyway...as of now I feel a calling to evangelize and preach to America, as well as serve in a church. I would like to go on some missions trips! I have never been on one and it sounds really interesting! I think it would be a good experience.
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| Alright! |
Game-plan so far: To finish and graduate highschool, keep working with Durie Electric LLC, and keep studying electrical theory as well as code, in order to be ready to take my journeyman's test after five years of field experience. Attend and serve a church. I am currently attending First Baptist Church in Waupaca. I hope to go on some missions trips this 2014. I really hope there is an opportunity. One of the ways I would like to serve is with music! I LOVE MUSIC!!
If God has a different purpose for me in this life here on earth, I have no doubt he will make it very clear to me! The Lord is in complete control.
Anyway, I have been spending a lot of time on this post. I need to go finish the chores I haven't done yet, and study stuff, stuff, and more stuff. Like my least favorite subject: History, and much more fun: Mathematics of Finance.
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| Take care. |
{1} You make me laugh (that's a compliment,btw)
ReplyDelete{2} Graduation is freaky to everyone (and I'm not even graduating yet - but I'm still scared sick)
{3} This is REEEAAALLY long. :)
Concerning your whole life purpose deal, I'm rather in the same boat. (thought I'd go into medical missions...which kinda failed when I realized I don't like airports and I get hysterical in medical situations. *coughs*)
I guess what I've learned as of late. . .is that serving God doesn't just stop at missions. I mean, it seems like people just put serving God into two holy categories: 1) become a pastor of some sort 2) mission work. Unfortunately, if you happen to be a lowly piano accompanist, you're in the third category of lameness. However, God is in every situation. And unless you happen to be a hermit in life, you're always going to run into people. So even if I am a piano accompanist in my tiny home town - I'd meet just as many lost people if I had gone to China.
Serving and pleasing God doesn't just stop at witnessing, though. Or rather, it shouldn't stop at witnessing. The verse that alwas pounds through my mind is when Jesus said, "if you love Me, you'll keep my commandments." And frankly, I've realized as I read through the bible - The Great Commission isn't the only command given. Which is almost frustrating, because most of the other "commands" are the really hard ones. Like humility, loving your enemies, self-control, etc.
There's this book I picked up sorta/not/really/accidentally called The Hole in Our Holiness and I realized that the 24/7 glorifying God starts from within - with myself. Because I found it way too easy to co-lead bible studies, serve at a Christian camp, volunteer for every open position at my church - yet still live for myself. So, I guess I found out, actions do speak louder than words, but the heart speaks louder than actions.
See? I told you I had a whole looooooong comment or ramblings. Congrats if you even made it this far. I have a tendency to make up for my introvertness by typing. :)
Okay, okay. I'll quit talking.
It is really encouraging so know someone feels the same way as I do. Last summer I went to Northland Teen camp, and at that point I really thought I knew what I was going to do for a living. I didn't even ask God what he thought. Didn't give it second thought. But there was a session taught on the Lord's calling and about how we need to really seek His will for out lives, and then obey. So I talked to our pastor about it, and he told me to pray a lot about it. This is when I realized that serving God in your life doesn't necessarily mean going to "China". (I love how you use China as an example. lol)
ReplyDeleteWitnessing is just as effective when coming from your everyday "Joe" as it is coming from a pastor/missionary. (As long as it is biblical teachings and correct theology that is.) At least I think. Pastors are better at presenting it, I'm sure, but it is not the pastor that saves the sinner. It is Jesus Christ who saves. We simply be obedient to God and physically tell them about it. God does the powerful stuff inside their heart. :)
+1 @ this: "Serving and pleasing God doesn't just stop at witnessing, though. Or rather, it shouldn't stop at witnessing. The verse that alwas pounds through my mind is when Jesus said, "if you love Me, you'll keep my commandments." And frankly, I've realized as I read through the bible - The Great Commission isn't the only command given. Which is almost frustrating, because most of the other "commands" are the really hard ones. Like humility, loving your enemies, self-control, etc. "
I actually joined your blog...you probably noticed. So I know you read this book. I should check it out sometime. Does it bother you that I follow your blog? Or is it ok?
I actually really like reading your stuff, it makes so much sense, and you are a good comedian. Good old sarcastic humor! :)
Type your heart out! Wait NOOOOO I didn't mean it that way!!! BETHANY NOOO!!!
Does it bother me that you follow my blog? Nope. I'm totally flattered. :) You'll probably regret it sometime down the road...because. well. you know. I'm occasionally really weird.
ReplyDeleteYES - you should read the book! It's called "The Hole in Our Holiness" by Kevin Deyoung. "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and "Follow Me" by David Platt (probably heard of these?) are super convicting/thoughtful/awesome/good, too.
Now I sound like that newspaper reporter I talked to. I was so flustered, I kept using lame adjectives like, "cool" and "crazy". *face palm*
Good because I like following it. :) I haven't seen any weirdness so far. ;) I really enjoy all of the photography. I always wish I had pictures of trips that I have gone on...I never have a camera though! I guess I need to invest in a camera. How did you learn photography? My brother Lucas has learned a bit about it, online I think? He has a little bit of equipment.
ReplyDeleteAlright, I will check into each of them. I haven't heard of the others either. I have heard of some of the others on your "Books I like"(Or whatever it is called) list though. Lots of good books...although I don't read that much. I tend to judge books by their covers. o_O
You did much better than I did! I didn't have much to say...while we were driving to Wausau I thought of tons of stuff that I wish I had said...But I couldn't think of much on the spot. I also spoke words very slowly sometimes as I was thinking about how to formulate the rest of my sentence! :D I can't believe I walked in right at 8:30...It was epic.
I hope your birthday is absolutely fabulous!
Hey, Aidan!
ReplyDeleteThis is Bethany's big sister. I'm totally stalking you at random hours instead of sleeping, but hey, I'm appreciating your thoughts and your awesome selfies. ;) (The webcam selfie is the only photographic form of which I am capable. Bethany stole all photography talent in our family. . . .)
Anyway, I loved this post and wanted to share some insight on the Great Commission that greatly helped me understand my calling. In the Greek, there's actually only ONE command -- "make disciples." So a more accurate translation of that verse is, "As you are going, make disciples." Which basically means that wherever you go, wherever you stay, and whatever you do, making disciples should be our priority. Not all of us are called to be evangelists and move to Africa, but all of us are called to make disciples. Learning that made so much sense, because I never felt called to "go" and make disciples -- I just wanted to STAY and make disciples. And that's totally cool. That fits with the Great Commission.
End of super long comment. Keep pressing on toward Jesus.
Hey Bailey! I have heard lots about you. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by "In the Greek"? I totally feel the same way about the Great Commission. God uses people in every area of the world, in all kinds of different ways! :) See my plans are to become a journeyman electrician, and eventually hopefully a master. But this job is so great, because you meet new people all the time. Plenty of lost people, as well as a Christian here or there. But there is SO much opportunity to witness, and to give testimony.
That's so awesome!! I'm excited to see how God uses you!
ReplyDeleteBy "in the Greek," I meant the original language that the New Testament was written in. Sometimes translation from Greek to English loses the exact Greek grammatical structure and meaning, so I was just pointing out how to more literally translate that Greek sentence into English. Hopefully that makes sense. :P
Woah! Slow down there! I pray God has used me in the past, but I know for certain I have not witnessed at work. There are tons of opportunities, but I have not taken them. I never feel prepared because I don't have much memorized. This is big on my to-do list, as I really want to be able to witness when the chance comes. I also would like to buy a "stash" of tracts, to hand out wherever I go. Because obviously, you can't just have a 10-20 minute discussion about God with the girl/guy at the checkout of a random store/restaurant. They are at work, and they are busy. But, handing a tract quickly is completely doable. Also, I think it is of great importance how I handle myself and how I act when entering the store, as to make a good impression, and reflect the kindness of Christ who is in me. To be kind, and respectful.
ReplyDeleteYes, it makes sense. I thought maybe you were referring to yourself and I as being "Greek". That would be odd. I suppose it could sorta make sense, although I am not truly Greek. :D
Haha! Yeah, no...I'm not Greek either. :D
ReplyDeleteOh, I wasn't talking about YOUR preparedness and talents and opportunities when I said I was excited about God using you. God uses us in spite of (and often because of) our weaknesses. I know from Scripture and experience that He loves hearts like yours -- hearts that seek to serve Him. And He WILL use you. Guaranteed. Whether or not you have tracts on hand or verses memorized or whatever -- it's your humble heart and God's sovereign power that matters.
But still, I love hearing about your plans to improve and be ready to witness. That's totally awesome!
:P
ReplyDeletePhew! I just didn't want you to think that I meant I always witness to all kinds of people at work. I know I should, but I haven't. I just wanted to make it clear. :)
Yes! It is awkward...today I tried to bring it up with one of my co-workers at Subway. From what I have heard, and seen of her, she is not saved. She is also sixteen years old, and she lives with her boyfriend because she has a kid. Her life is so scary and depressing it isn't cool. I asked her if she went to church anywhere. She told me about some church in Steven's point. **Edited content** I mean, what am I supposed to say after that? "Bla...blablablabla" That would totally offend her. You can tell I am totally not prepared, because there should be a way to handle it, and continue to the Gospel message. I just need to figure out how without offending quickly. I am so bad when it comes to talking to lost people about God. I hope the Lord will show me how! I haven't a doubt He will in time.
Have you heard the storywriting concept of, "Show, don't tell"? It's basically that a story/concept is portrayed more strongly when you show it through actions and dialogue instead of just making a blanket statement. Instead of, "She was angry," it's more powerful to say, "She went white and slapped him hard across the face."
ReplyDeleteWow, that was violent. ANYWAY. I think the same thing applies to sharing the Gospel. OF COURSE the Gospel must be told eventually, but it's more powerful if it's couched among a demonstration of love and grace. Instead of merely saying, "God loves you!", show her that love yourself! Just by asking her about her life, genuinely caring about her, and not judging or being shocked or scared by her life, that shows the unconditional love that Christ offers in the Gospel. Just stick to a natural conversation -- "Oh, you go to a church in Steven's Point? Do you like it?" Or you could slip in an, "Just so you know, I'm praying for you" somewhere. You might want to find out if she considers herself a Christian, too, because then you can use that as common ground: "You're a Christian too? That's awesome! How did you come to Christ?" (Which might freak her out, but whatever...God's in control.)
It really isn't awkward to talk about Christ with unsaved people if you keep it to a normal conversation. There's too much pressure for both of you if you sweat nervously while waiting for a perfect opportunity to launch into the Romans Road! And you're absolutely right -- God will teach you what to say and when to say it. :)
I haven't heard it referred to that way, but yes, I recognize the concept.
ReplyDeleteWhat was violent? I am confused. I actually edited content in my last comment because I had been too open about my thoughts on a certain denomination. I chopped out a lot of that comment, so if it doesn't make very much sense, that is why. :O I totally agree, and I do show her that I care for her. I show kindness and interest in how her life is going, and I am there to listen to her talk about her life. Her life is scary, although I didn't imply that I thought that. Thank you for the suggestions about what to say next. This was actually really helpful. I guess I just felt that beyond showing love and kindness, that I needed to take action and tell her about God. So I started with asking her about where she goes to church. Then it went downhill, as she started telling me about it, and I didn't know what to say next. So I said lame stuff like "Cool", "That's great!", and basically neutral comments that didn't mean much. Hopefully it will go better next time! :D
Violent -- "slapping him across the face" example.
ReplyDeleteChurch -- Bethany said I should talk to you about Catholicism? Email me at baileybergmann@charter.net if that's true. We're supposed to start a group email about Bible study, anyway (so Bethany tells me). ;)
Your approach -- that sounds absolutely fantastic to me! Haha -- I can totally relate to saying lame, meaningless stuff. It's hard to transition into actually sharing the Gospel, but you can do it!!