“Therefore, let all fight the good fight in their own calling.”
Martin Luther had a formidable understanding of what it meant to be called by God. Whatever our vocation or station, we are called to love God and neighbor. We are to do the work allotted to us with our best effort but also a humility that understands all persons as equal before God. Everyone plays an important part in God’s plans. Yet understanding God’s plans for us can be difficult.
Whether you are a youth or an adult entering a new stage of life, we can ask similar questions. Who am I? Where do I fit in? What difference do I make? (These questions are affirmed by research found in the book, Growing Young: 6 essential strategies to help young people discover and love your church.) Certainly, the questions might vary in import as we age, but we often struggle with our significance. That’s why as Christians, we are encouraged to understand that our roles and work might change, but our true significance comes from God’s love for us. Whether a child or facing our final years of life, we have a purpose.
If it is true that we cannot fully understand that sacred purpose fully while living this life (as one saint opined), all is not lost. We are promised the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Through intentional prayer and Bible study, sharing our questions with faith-filled friends or pastors, or even by volunteering, taking classes, or trying new activities, the Spirit might help us identify our individual “what’s next” moment. Hardships and misfortunes might even become new opportunities for redirection, learning, or more compassionate relationships. Whatever we do, the Spirit goes with us and will seek to guide us. God can and will use all of it!
The Church also remains available to you. Yes, as noted above, you can speak to your friends, but there are specially trained persons called spiritual directors you might wish to explore. Once back in the Church as a young adult through today, I have sought a spiritual director or counselor to walk with me. You might find their support as part of a retreat experience, but others are willing to serve as your companion and guide over a longer, mutually agreed upon period. Just as Jesus mentored his disciples, the early Church found it helpful for elders and others with such gifts to serve as mentors. Spiritual direction might include directed Bible study and conversation, but also, they might be able to point us to practices and options leading us to spiritual growth, greater peace and joy, or new vocational understanding. The spiritual director can help us with discernment or even challenge our understanding as an accountability partner. Indeed, Martin Luther’s own growth as a Christian was thanks to his own spiritual director.
If this sort of intentional accompaniment sparks your interest, I would encourage you to speak with Pastor Anne or myself. There are many resources in Virginia, but not all of them are of the same quality or a good fit for your individual needs. Some are even free. If we are going to fight the good fight as Luther urged, it is good to know that we need not fight alone.
Peace be with you.+ Pastor Lou
Originally published in the September 2021 newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, VA.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this post are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
© 2021 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
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