This week will consist of a few short and sweet, “one-off” posts. We have some good friends in town for the week and between work, family, and visiting, my time to write has been a bit limited. I’m trying to focus more on in-person relationships than internet/social media, which is why I haven’t posted on IG in a few weeks, but hopefully these posts are helpful to your spiritual development.
Verses of the Day
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” - Proverbs 19:21
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” - Psalm 127:1
Men in our circles have so many complex and grandiose plans about our future personal and professional careers. Spend any amount of time on social media and you will hear scores of young service-members talking about their intentions to go to this or that selection, do three to five years here before going to that specialized unit, or where they’ll be a decade from now. Many have their whole life laid out in a series of stepping stones culminating in professional glory and ultimate inner fulfillment. That badge, or beret, or trident, or salary, become everything. Everything else, from individual education to physical fitness, is prioritized or neglected to the extent that it furthers that goal and drives us toward its achievement.
There is nothing inherently wrong with this. In fact, the modern problem seems to be more of the opposite, men who lack the motivation to strive for anything difficult. But I’m going to assume for the sake of this post that you fall into the first camp. You have goals, and big dreams. You picture yourself in five, ten, twenty years, with that title, or piece of metal, or degree, or whatever it is that drives you, and you tailor your thoughts, words, and actions accordingly.
I want to challenge you to examine yourself, and to consider, of all the many factors driving your relentless pursuit of mental and physical excellence, among all of the thoughts that consume your daily life, how much time do you spend seeking and considering the will of God in your life?
This need not be an exercise in mystical contemplation where we go into the basement, light incense, and try to “listen” for the audible voice of God. He has already given us very clear commandments for life and godliness in His word, if we would just read, pray, and apply.
I am firmly convinced that when we focus on becoming the kind of person God has called us to be, holy and obedient, pursuing righteousness and conformity to the image of Jesus Christ, the practical things of life will work themselves out.
And when we prioritize the kind of people we are becoming over and above what we do for a living and/or our title, in a strange sort of paradox, we actually become better and more capable and competent in our professions as well.
When we take that job or dream or title off the throne that belongs to the Lord, and put it back in its rightful place, we’re able to think more clearly and to actually say, “Your will be done,” not mine.
I’ve had seasons of life where I absolutely idolized certain jobs and titles. During these times, I paid lip service to God but only with the understanding that He would further my aims. God will often issue severe wake-up calls to His children to shake loose the chains of idolatry in their hearts. I know this from experience. And while it is necessary, and evidence of God’s mercy to His children, it’s not pretty. In the blink of an eye, God showed me clearly that the things I held up as ultimate were fleeting.
How do we avoid such dramatic falls?
Consider the will of God from the outset. In any dream, goal, or aspiration, ask yourself, “is this the will of God for me?” Sometimes, it’s hard to tell, and we have to move forward with incomplete information. That’s okay. God often reveals His will during this process in a number of ways.
The point is not knowing exactly what God would have us do for work. The point here is that when we constantly seek to please God with our actions, then any decisions we make will be made with a loose grip on those earthly things that so easily entangle our hearts, so that if and when God says, “this way, not that way,” our response is not one of idolatry, but of submission and worship.
In taking from me what I thought I wanted, God has given me what I actually wanted, and that’s to be living a life with Him, not a job, as my ultimate joy and purpose.
So, ask yourself today: in all of my big and grandiose plans, am I considering the will of God? Am I so focused on that one thing that I think will make me happy, or am I asking Him to direct my steps and guide me in His will?
Don’t hear me wrong; His will for you might actually be to become a SOF dude or an investment banker or whatever it is that consumes your thoughts. If you think about it all the time, there’s a good chance he has wired you in a way that your strengths and interests might be a good fit for that community.
But hold it with a loose grip. Be open to His direction and guidance. No job will ever bring you the eternal joy and fulfillment of knowing the Lord. And remember, no matter what happens, that He loves you, and knows what is best for you; even better than you do.
“Remember this: If any other condition had been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there.” - Charles Spurgeon
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Until tomorrow.
Pray without ceasing. Repent and believe.
May Christ bless you.
-LC
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