As a boy, I remember wanting the best, although really I just wanted what everyone else had. I still have the 'Nike' backpack I pleaded my parents for when I was in high school, not because of its practicality or cost but because it was the only brand I cared about. That backpack is now on its final legs and has travelled the world, but I now see my actions were frivolous and idolatrous, placing a brand name above all else. What I now consider to be the best has become a 180 degree transformation, compared to my attitude in high school. It's not about me.
Just because a road seems easy and something appears to be good, doesn't necessarily mean this is the path to take, because God's best for us (His divine plan for our lives), does not always result in comfort or security.
My journey ahead
Recently, I was accepted into a seminary in the United States. Now I plan to move my family into a new country, with no family and friends nearby, into a different lifestyle (from small town to major city) and to be honest I am not sure how God will provide for the next few years of our lives while I study.
There were many easier options in discussing my desire to study the Word of God and become a pastor. We could have lived at home and studied online, we could have lived at home and I attend a local Bible college, or we could move within our province (state) to other schools closer to friends and family. These all make sense in many ways, certainly financially and socially.
However, no matter what obstacles I might have to overcome and the challenges I will be faced with, I want to follow the path God's leading me down. It may feel like I have to beat down a path in front of me, only to find a river I see no way of crossing; but part of God's best is a life of faith and this is where we must sometimes leave logic behind.
Right now we are in the preparation stage for this adventure and I still feel daunted at the journey ahead. During times of reflection, I get nervous as to whether uprooting my family (wife and three young children) is the best thing to do, or if this move is just crazy.
Ultimately, I come back to the same conclusion, this move isn't about me, it's about following the Lord God Almighty. I believe He has called me to preach the Word of God and to equip me best for this task I want to receive the best teaching. Maybe it will cost me an arm and a leg, but this work has eternal significance. And, while I may not become the next Billy Graham, I must answer God's call.
Giving up everything for the gospel
Not many of us are called to be teachers of the Word of God (James chapter 3, verse 1), but we all have a calling for God's best and to glorify Him in all we do. Therefore, the journey each believer embarks on must be an adventure of faith, boldness and a willingness to give up all; all for the things of eternal value. Whether a Christian is a builder, a doctor, nurse or stay at home mum, each of us is called to follow God's plan for our life, no matter what this costs.
It would be easy to continue the comfortable life we are living, it would even be comfortable to pursue my desire to do ministry without moving and being assured of financial security; however the school I have chosen to attend is what I consider to be the best and not studying at this school would be selling God short.
For I must live in faith, not fear and comfort. Anything less than my best, in pursuing His best, is disrespectful to the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross to be the ransom for my sin. Any other path could earn me riches and fame (and maybe this could too) and it could produce comfort and security; but at the point of judgement these accomplishments are worth nought, zero and zilch.
Christ's sacrifice is the only reason we have an assurance of salvation and life eternal with God the Father, our creator. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and the wages of sin is death. Now we are offered eternal life and in response God asks us to live and serve Him, to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke chapter 9, verse 23.)
There aren't many things in life I am adamant I must have the best of, because I have learned to live with what I have and to be content with what I have. Now, as we face the journey ahead, we just about have to give up (literally) all we do have and trust the Lord will provide. However, anything less than God's best is really settling for a lie.
Tim Wilsonis an Australian currently living in Canada with his wife (also a comment writer) and their three children. He is passionate about the Church living according to the Word of God and authors a blog to inspire and challenge men and women of faith.www.abrokenmanblog.com
Tim Wilson's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-wilson.html