A Life in Focus
The modern world overwhelms us with ceaseless change and an unending array of choices. There are simply too many choices, too many people to relate to, too much to do, too much to see, too much to read, too much to catch up with and follow, too much to buy. Choice and change lead quickly to a sense of fragmentation, saturation, and overload.

The result is not only overload, but also a profound loss of unity, solidity, and coherence in life. This condition can sap our spiritual vitality and neutralize our faith. In our fragmented lives, the one thing that feels necessary is to “keep our options open.” We avoid above all being “stuck” with commitments that might restrict the opportunities of tomorrow.

How does calling speak to this modern predicament? First, calling subverts the deadly modern idolatry of choice. Choice in modern life is central, unquestioned…a right that transcends both responsibility and rationality. Only one thing can conquer the god we have made of choice—being chosen.

So, for followers of Christ, calling neutralizes the poison of choice in modern life. Jesus said, “I have chosen you, you have not chosen me.” (John 15:16) We are not our own, we have been bought with a price. (I Corinthians 6:19-20) Following Christ is not our initiative; it is merely our response. Calling is a “yes” to God that carries a “no” to the chaos of modern thinking and slams the door on the notion that it is possible to always keep our options open.

Second, calling provides “the story line” for our lives. If we have lived in too many places, had too many jobs, and known too many people, how do we make sense of it all?

We may feel rootless and nomadic but we are not the first “aliens and wayfarers” on earth. Abraham followed the call of God without knowing where he was going. The people of Israel crossed a trackless desert following a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. In both cases their sense of direction and meaning came solely from God’s call. Like these nomads of old, we may live in one town a long time or a short time.

We may have a job that is poorly paid or well rewarded. We may have a resume that is checkered or impressive. We may have friendships that are rich and fulfilling or thin and disappointing. But for the follower of Christ, none of these things determine the meaning of our lives. What matters is that we follow the call. Follow the call of Christ despite the uncertainty and chaos of modern circumstances, and you will find the story line of your life.

Third, calling helps us know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” Modern life assaults us with an infinite range of things we could do, things we would love to do, or things some people tell us we should do.

Feeling compelled to respond to every opportunity and need is a sure recipe for overload, confusion and burnout. But on the other hand, the beguiling notion that “you deserve a break today” leads to aimless drifting. Calling helps us know when to say yes or no. We may not be able to do everything, but we should be committed to doing some things.

As we make our contribution along the lines of our gifts and calling, and others do the same, there is fruitfulness and a rest in the outcome. Our gifts are used for the purpose for which they were given us. And we can rest in doing what we can without ever pretending we are more than just a part in God’s much larger story. The famous maxim, “Think globally, act locally,” comes into its own in the context of calling.

Do you lead a saturated, overloaded, and fragmented life? Are you pulled by all the emotional appeals to meet needs? Are you frustrated that you may be missing the best for you, because you are being diverted by all the good? Do you long to know the passion and purity of a focused heart? Listen to Jesus of Nazareth; answer his call.

Kellee’s Story
Do you ever fee like there are just too many choices? Each day we make thousands of decisions…what to wear, what to eat, what to buy. Most of the time I don’t pay much attention to these small choices because there isn’t much at stake. The bigger “life choices” are the ones I struggle with—trying to discover my purpose on earth. I have been out of college almost two years, and I’m looking for a change. I fee like God is telling me to move in a new direction, but I can’t seem to pinpoint which direction that is.

I have often prayed for God to open doors, so that I might know where to walk, but right now I feel like I’m standing in a hallway with five or six different corridors with doors open in each corridor. All are interesting and inviting. So where do I go? Because of fear and uncertainty I want to stay put. Sometimes, too many options paralyze me and I begin to feel pulled in too many directions. I have no real assurance of any path, so how do I make this decision?

Another real struggle for me is being patient and let God move me in His time. What might seem like a great opportunity may not be what God has planned for me, but I’m assured that His plan is better than my own. One by one, God is beginning to close doors. This is a relief in that it narrows my choices, but each time a door closes, I feel sad because I grieve the lost opportunity I had envisioned along that path.
 

losmata@verizon.net