Reminder

I came across this essay I wrote in college, and thought it was a good reminder for some of the things I'm going through now.

One of the questions that I am frequently asked is “You’re a Biochemistry and Spanish double major? How in the world will that combination go together?” This is often asked incredulously, as if I am out of my mind to even consider such a difficult pathway. Over the past three years, I have learned that God often calls people to do the unexpected and extraordinary in order that his glory may be manifested in all that we do and say.

My professors are continually encouraging me to develop my abilities in whatever areas that God has blessed me with talent and interest. God is not limited by our human condition, so why should we attempt to limit the effects of his endless creativity and interaction in our lives? I believe that vocational calling involves not only one’s given job or intellectual interests, but that it encompasses the multiple talents we as humans possess. I am grateful for Messiah College’s emphasis on the development of the whole person, for it has encouraged me to seek to integrate the multiple interests that I have, including my love of science and my love of the Spanish people. Once we become free of the mentality that our vocation is somehow separate from our Christian faith, we can be free to fulfill God’s richest plans and desires for our lives, and in turn effectively share Christ’s love with others.

As I have grown here at Messiah, I have learned that our Christian witness is not just limited to times of concentrated witnessing. The Christian witness is most effective when others see Christ’s influence in all aspects of our lives, including our intellectual pursuits and our day-to-day actions. This involves taking time out to notice others and their struggles and needs, instead of allowing busyness to interfere with our relationships to others. The world yearns to see Christians who have the freedom of Christ’s love, yet often the world sees us as hypocritical and people living two lives – a “secular” life and a “Christian” life. One of my current goals is to seek to exemplify Christ in all that I do, whether I am pursuing intellectual goals, leisure activities, or simply relating to others who come into my path throughout the day. Philippians 1:27 says: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Only when I have lived up to this standard will I have fulfilled Christ’s calling for my life.