I once sat in a meeting where an official remarked about how interview panels work to select a candidate that is fit-and-proper for the job on offer. Months later, I found myself thinking about this official’s remark and how it relates to life in general.
I came to see that over the course of life, we go through a series of life ‘interviews’. These interviews should ideally lead us to a clear understanding of the life assignment that God has made us fit-and-proper to fulfill. This life assignment is what the Bible refers to as a calling. It is the core mission you are responsible for while here on planet earth.
Some people come to the realization of their calling, through a deliberate process of inquiry by prayer and study of the scriptures. For others, it may take a sudden suspension or an abrupt end to their daily routine for them to notice that there is more to their lives than their routines.
Regardless of how we come to realise our mission in life, we need to pursue it with all that we are, and all that we can mobilise. What we do with the call of God on our individual lives is the ultimate purpose of the time we have.
It is sobering to know that God is not impressed by how busy we are in life but by how precise we are in living out His calling for our lives. We can see that from these words of Jesus to Martha, who was one day hosting Him at her house: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).
True success is not about being the first or being on top. It is about being on target. Wouldn’t it be sad to move in the fastest car on the highway only to find out much later that you took the wrong highway to your destination? It is a frustrating thing to find yourself in such a situation!
You don’t need to look far away to know that there is a lot going on around that can easily get us off course. Fortunately, the Bible already has advise about these distractions and how to successfully handle them. Contrasting between people who get distracted from their calling and those who finish on target, Jesus compared the two groups in a parable of seeds that are planted on thorny ground and those that are planted on good ground: “…that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are chocked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:14-15)
Notice what chokes the word that is vital for your calling. It is the seemingly innocent routines of life – the cares, riches and pleasures of this life. Things like relying on news media for your security or working like crazy for the food, clothing and housing needs of your family. If that is your life today, don’t despair. You can return to where you missed it and pick it up from there.
It is never too late to return to the path of your calling. God is waiting for you right where you left Him. The Bible tells us “…the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). God has not, and will not change His mind about your life assignment.
Do you know whether you are on the right course for your life today? If so, praise God for your early awakening to His calling on your life; and keep seeking Him for direction on the next steps. If however you don’t, thank God that you are now aware of the need to inquire from Him about His calling on your life. Then take time and put effort to understand the will of God for your life.
You can start by getting acquainted with His general will for mankind by diligently studying your Bible daily and setting aside time to pray in accordance with what you learn from the Bible. It won’t be long before you are sure about God’s plan in general for mankind. That knowledge, in turn, will get you thinking and desiring to know God’s specific plan and will for you as an individual. When that desire gets strong enough within you, you will be on your way to clarity of purpose and mission in life. And that’s the way to true success – a complete and fulfilled life.
