I wasn't planning on writing this blog today (most of my blog posts are sporadic), but "divine appointments" has been a recurring theme in my heart for some days now. One thing that every Christian struggles with is knowing God's will for their life. Being a recent college graduate, current seminary student, and part-time campus ministry intern, I hear this question more than anything. Young adults are stressed because they don't know what God's will is for them concerning careers, classes, marriage etc. Now I'm sure much can be said concerning this question, but instead of focusing all of my blog post on this question, I've decided to expose the sin that can SOMETIMES hide behind this question. This is a good question, but the motives behind it may be sinful and ultimately send the Christian into a spiral of self pity while at the same time robbing them of the discernment needed to answer the question.
The main problem with this question is the word "my" that lies within the question. Does God have individual plans and callings for individual people? Yes! Scripture is clear about this (1 Corinthians 12:27-31). But the biggest problem with the word "my" is that it can SOMETIMES reveal a selfish and sinful individualistic spirit that is so focused inwardly that it tends to neglect the opportunities for ministry that are surrounding you.
The Christian must be very careful. Christ said, "...love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind....love your neighbor as yourself. On these commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-39) These two commandments are great places to start when it comes to figuring out God's will for your life. But notice they are completely outward focused. The focus is God and other people, not you!
Now if we disobey this commandment I'm confident that we are in sin and therefore conforming to the world which, based on Romans 12:1-2, will prevent us from gaining discernment to discover the will of God. The passage says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we are in unrepentant sin, we blind ourselves and therefore lack discerning eyes. Perhaps God's will is directly in front of your face, but you're so blinded by your sin and focused in yourself to see that will.
So readers, I challenge you to look at every person that you encounter and every place that you go as a divine appointment for your life. Learn to serve faithfully those in front of you wherever you are. S/O to all my singles! Don't allow yourself to be so consumed and obsessed with finding a mate, especially when it causes you to neglect opportunities to love God and the people in front of you. Perhaps, your love and service for God and people will be the quality that will attract your mate to you. Perhaps your selfish attitude is what is running potential spouses away. Love God and man, but hate sin!
So I want to hear from you guys. Any divine appointments lately? How has faithfully obeying the two great commandments impacted your life? Go!!!
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