My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—
Whenever we hear another message that God has a plan for you, I cringe. Most often, not always, but most often the message comes across that you are unique (true); you have one specific life role God designed you for (maybe); if you dream it, it must be from God (maybe); and your earthly destiny is already planned out (ouch).
Now we could discuss free-will and predestination, but will not because it becomes a never-ending discussion subject to your preliminary worldview. However, we will agree that God does have a plan for your life that involves every aspect of your goals, dreams, passion, and purpose. That objective is to form Christ in you!
Scriptures like Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 3:14:19, Ephesians 4:11-19, Philippians 3:21, and Colossians 1:28 record the apostle’s Paul emphasis on Christ being formed in you.
So, when you realize this, and you submit yourself under God’s authority in your life, Christ will continue to transform your character through the Holy Spirit, no matter what goals, dreams, and passions you pursue. When you live in the center of God’s Will, rarely will your choice be predetermined rebellion against Him. Instead your options are like Adam and Eve’s. How many trees were available for them to focus their attention on? Wasn’t the tree of life also in the garden with the tree of knowledge of good and evil? So, why did they select the one God told them not too? Life choices are many. But as long as you hold unto the One Who Is the Source of Life, you will be OK. God’s plan is to bring you unto maturity in Christ.
The God we serve is so much larger than you and I can ever phantom. He allows us to exercise free-will while He continues the process of changing us from a self-centered, self-ruled person to a Christ-centered, spirit-led adopted child of His.
If fact, the more Christ is formed in you, the more you come to realize there isn’t one physical goal, one dream, or one passion with your name on it. Instead you have the entire galaxy at your disposal. Only because of our limited thinking, doubtful trust in God, fear of failure, and shortsightedness, we narrow the possibilities in front of us.
Since God’s desire is to develop the leadership skills and Kingdom-centered values in you as you partner with Jesus Christ via the Holy Spirit, bringing you to maturity in Him, exercise some personal judgement, gather counsel from your elders that know you, and choose the path your passion, talents, and love for others lead you. You can be assured God is always with you and will continue to form you in the image of His Son along the way.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
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