Isaac's Keep | Reformed Canton Church in Downtown Canton, GA

The idea of calling and vocation have been largely replaced with a job and work.  Unfortunately it’s not that different for Christians. We compartmentalize our lives and go from station to station like children at school, from center to center.  It’s no wonder there is little passion for much of anything, life is just a monotonous buffet upon which to gluttonize ourselves.

As I review the call again this year I’m reminded with this first calling, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever by belonging to Jesus, that this is the very foundation for destroying the compartments and BEING what God has made me to be, a worshipper of Him.  Of course this is only possible by belonging to Jesus.  And it is forever, not just in the past, not just in the future, but forever.  “Forever” transcends time and compartments.

When I’m tired, worn, and the joy begins to fade it is this foundation that I must rebuild upon.  When I’m passionate, happy, and successful it is this foundation that I must remember.  When I feel alone, abandoned, misunderstood, it is this foundation and calling that reminds me I’m never alone, never abandoned, and He always knows my heart.  He is always there because I belong to Jesus, He is always there to be enjoyed no matter life’s circumstances.  When I’m surrounded with praise and affirmation it is to this calling that I must point.  This calling is the chief end of man, it is the chief end of me.

So how am I doing? I’m growing in the knowledge of this calling and truth.  I struggle at times with certain circumstances to remember every circumstance is for His glory and my joy.  It just seems to always be the same certain circumstance when I struggle. At times I fight the temptation of entitlements, as if I have earned anything, and wanting to absorb glory that isn’t mine.  But on the other hand this truth and calling has released me into great freedoms within life and ministry. Finding pleasure in God has unbound my appetite for more of Him.  The glory of His grace is a hot fire that beckons me to come and enjoy its warmth.    I desire to find myself at this fire more and more in the year to come, to not only be warmed by it, but to let it blaze in my own life that I might carry its warmth to others.