“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” ~ Philippians 1:21
This blog entry is in response to my last one – Crazy Times – and I said I wasn’t quite ready to tell the world the changes that have been going on in my life, BUT now I am. I’ve been meaning to post this a while ago and it’s almost too much to contain right now… and I am only blogging this not to give praise and glory to myself, but to my God who has had His hand in every step of the way.
Rather than build up and prevent any opportunity to glorify myself (which is rather hard to do…) I will go ahead and just blurt it all out and explain later… I am committing my entire life to Christ by serving in full-time ministries. I have resigned from my current job at Dreambox Creations (in fact last Tuesday was my last day), and will be taking on a full time position TODAY at my current local church that I’ve been serving with for the past 3 years since I’ve been down here at Cal Poly. On top of that, I am planning to further educate and prepare myself for the ministries by obtaining an Masters of Divinity at a seminary school (TBD).
Alright, now I’ve gotten that out of the way, I guess I’ll explain more and how God led me to this change in my life. I’ve been explaining it as “a calling” to everyone because those are the best words I can gather to describe the situation. It’s an irresistible pull that I have felt as early as high school, yet I’ve been ignoring it for a while which was me telling God: “I’ll do it when I am ready…” I’ve tried to accomplish so much on my own… to be independent and trusting in my own ways. Yet, I was constantly reminding by God and His calling for me in my life.
It wasn’t until recently something just clicked in my mind, and through encouragement of a friend I decided to finally answer God’s call. It’s because I’ve felt so ALIVE the past months in rediscovering God’s love and grace in my life, that I was so oblivious to before because of my good works. I think doing good works has that effect on Christians, in a sense that good works is all that is needed for the security of eternal life, but in fact it is NOT what develops a TRUE relationship with God (something I’ve been missing for almost my entire Christian life!). When we begin to cultivate a true relationship with God we will live for Him, which brings me to the verse I put at the top of the post: Philippians 1:21. My life right now, should be all about Christ because of what He has done for me and given me. And when I die, it is a even better because I will have gained eternity with Him! Doing good works comes out of a relationship with God because of what He has done for us…NOT what WE can do for God…
I’m really excited to start this new position at church because knowing God chose me and has a reason for me being here fills me with anticipation on what He is planning to do specifically at this church. Living with a purpose makes things so much clearer (doesn’t necessarily mean easier). I could go on and on with other things, but I think this is enough for one shocking post. If I may ask your support in keeping this church (Chinese Grace Baptist Church) in your prayers, because God is about to do something amazing! Pray that hearts and minds will be transformed! Pray for me as well because I still have so much to learn…
Comments
One response to “To Live Is Christ!”
Nick, even when you moved here I saw how involved with church you are. It’s not just because you were really involved, but that I sense the shepherd-ish side of you (if I’m not mistaken). What I didn’t realize is how long and committed you were to it, until I see you still actively supporting bros & sisters, and topped with your “Do Hard Things” blog post. You can take what I say with a grain of salt if you want, because what matters is what God has been revealing to you anyway 🙂 Love you bro.