Habits of a Thankful HeartSample

Consider Your Calling

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

In third grade, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: President of the United States. As I got older, discerning my calling became more difficult. What was I supposed to do with my life? Most people struggle with this question. We want to know that we matter and that what we do with our lives has ultimate meaning.

Christians do not need to create meaning and purpose for their lives. We have already received our calling: to live lives worthy of Jesus Christ. People who do not know the Lord have their sense of worth defined by personal success. Their sense of self is like a leaky balloon that must constantly be re-inflated by achieving or doing something new.

As Christians, we are free from that rat race. We do not have to create our own sense of value or purpose; it has been purchased by Jesus and given to us by grace. We are not living to make a more profitable widget or get into a great grad school or finally pay off the mortgage. We are living for something much greater: the glory of God. If this does not warm your heart and make you thankful, then you need to think about it more.

Reflect: We are called to live for God’s glory and not our own. Reflect on how that changes your attitude toward difficulties at home or work.