When it comes to identity and purpose, we are sometimes confused by popular culture without being aware of it. On the one hand, we are taught to believe that we are special and unique, while at the same time, we are told to fit in with the crowd.
So we often wonder exactly who we are, and what our purpose in life is. But as Christians, we can turn to the Word of God and learn that, simply put, our purpose is to know God and to make Him known. God has created us differently, and He uses us and the skills and talents He has given us differently. Some will be called to the mission field. Others will be called to government. Whether in tropical forests or in Congress, God designed each of us specifically for the mission He has for us. From personality types to the specific families we were born into, every aspect of our lives is a thread among many others that are woven together beautifully, if only we allow God to be the weaver.
Now, most of us have heard common statements like “God created you specially” and “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” While all that is true, the hardest part is not in understanding the theoretical aspect of this truth. The hardest part is experiencing the comfort, encouragement, and challenge this truth is offering.
Self-acceptance is a continuous struggle for me personally. I know God accepts and loves me. I accept others as who they are. But the most difficult process is accepting myself. I often consider myself as below par, unimportant, and replaceable. I should, however, keep God’s bigger picture in view. As I share this post with you, I’m also speaking to myself.
Taking from the IBLP curriculum, I would like to share with you the concept: The Rejected Can Be Chosen. What the world considers useless, what it believes to be below par, can be picked up and used greatly by God, if it is surrendered to Him.
A great example from the Scriptures would be David. He was sent to the pastures with the sheep and belittled by his brothers. Even his own father did not think much of him. When the prophet Samuel called for Jesse’s sons, the father did not include David in the line of brothers. Yet, because David dedicated his life to and depended on the Lord, he was used mightily for the nation of Israel.
A more recent example would be the life of Ravi Zacharias. Raised in India, he was faced with the tremendous social pressure present in that culture. His father was a powerful and influential man, and his siblings were doing well in school. But not Ravi, and in that culture, to not do well in school would be considered shameful in the eyes of society. His father even told him that he was going to be the embarrassment of the family. In Ravi’s own words, his early life would be described as a failure.
It was on the bed of suicide when he accepted Christ as his Saviour. He almost died, but God spared his life, and he wanted to live for this Saviour who had given him a second chance at life. Today, Mr. Zacharias is one of the leading Christian apologists in the world, challenging individuals intellectually and spiritually to let God rule their lives.
In conclusion, let us keep God’s ultimate plan for our lives in sight, focusing on our walk with Him and His will for us. Let us remember that though we may be rejected by the world, God can use us mightily in His own way for His glory. And He will, if we surrender our lives and plans to Him.
Blessings,
Nathanael Chong