A Collective Destiny

Oh, the wonder of the New Testament.

I give thanks to God for bringing all mankind into His plan, making us a part of His vision. We have only to accept the Gift that is Jesus Christ.

It’s elementary, but it takes my breath away every time I meditate on it.

Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

Some of my favorite verses for their Head-Smacking Factor—that’s HSF.

They changed my daily perspective in life completely. I was no longer wrapped up in what I became, but instead, it was all about who I am in Christ with you, my fellow Christian. Out of the window flew aspirations I had simply for my own glory. This included wanting to be an Olympic gymnast at twelve and a Wimbledon champion at fourteen. And darn, I really loved those dreams! Is that where God wanted me to go? No. Was I gifted in those areas? No.

That’s when the HSF came into play again.

We have gifts, yet even when we are working within that which God has given us, those gifts are simply “vehicles” for His purpose. There lies not our destiny. Our destiny lies in Christ, alongside others who dwell in Christ, pointing the way for as many non-believers as possible.

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind...John Donne

This is selflessness, loving our neighbors as ourselves, laying our lives down for our brothers. This is love. This is God.

Our world can be so cut-throat, each looking out for herself. I don’t want to envy you for what you have. I don’t want to think only one of us can “succeed,” and if you find success and get it there won’t be any left for me. I don’t want to try and snatch it up first and then withhold it from you. That is not part of my God’s plan.

But in a fallen world, it's hard to remember that.

Love nothing but that which comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny. For what could more aptly fit your needs?
Marcus Aurelius

Sometimes I make it harder than it has to be because I don’t remember the pattern of God’s cloth, because I forget who He really is and what He offers. I let my eyes off the mark. I have to know where I’m going and keep my eyes and heart fixed upon it. It’s just like riding a bike—if I look down at the ground, I’ll fall.

We each have gifts from a beloved Father to use to His glory. For some the calling to use a particular gift is strong and comes early. For others it’s a matter of trial and error and perseverance. God gives us the yearnings of our hearts. He guides us by opening some doors and closing others. In our search, we shouldn’t let the messages of this world confuse us into striving for something that doesn’t fit into the pattern of His ultimate plan.

If we are of one mind and heart with Him, He will let us know how we can best glorify Him. It may be in motherhood, or music, or business, or mission work, or writing. God has an individual job for each of us in mind. That job, no matter the size, should bring us closer to Him and to our fellow man.

With my words, I strive to come closer to God. I strive to come closer to you. I find such joy--corny as that may seem--in numbering myself among you.