It Doesn't Have To Be A Church Thing

In your search for your God-given identity, that thing you're passionate about, know that it doesn't have to be a “church thing.” One of the enemy's greatest deceptions is getting us to think we can only serve God in church. Or in some ministry connected with a church.

Rubbish. Then he'd get the whole rest of the world, and we are so not going to let that happen. We are not going to lock up the truth and life of God behind monastery walls. God wants to redeem every area of human existence.

Is it sailing? Do you love the freedom out on the water? Maybe God has a plan for you in the sailing community. What if you are God's lighthouse?

Maybe it's football or sports. Judging from their halftime shows over the last several years, the NFL has been taken captive by every deception the world has to offer. God wants to redeem the NFL and professional sports in general. Maybe He wants to start with the fans, those who by seeding their time and money into it enable it. What if He's calling you to stand for righteousness both off-the-field in water cooler discussions at work, as well as on-the-field with the kids you coach?

Do you love working on machines or engines – get the right tool, take it apart, there's the problem, fix it – boom, no feeling like it in the world. Heaven knows we need more Christian mechanics. If that's you – your love of engines and all things mechanical – that's a gift from God.

So what are you passionate about? If you can't tell because you're so caught up in the daily rat race, unplug regularly and pound on Heaven's door until God speaks to you. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search a matter out is the glory of kings.” God loves to hide stuff for us to find – He loves to leave us treasure-hunt notes. He loves to give us the opportunity to be a king or queen – to be royalty – and search the matter out.

So go ahead. Go on the search. It'll be fun, and you might be surprised at what you find.