First: Happy 2015!
I’ve spent the last few years trying to redefine myself as a person. I found I’d been wandering through life, just kind of going through the motions. But we know that God has bigger plans for us… not bigger in the sense of “larger” but bigger in the sense of “having more impact on the world.”
And let’s be honest: the only thing we’re here for is to serve as an example of God’s love. We have to balance “dying to self” and living out God’s plans for our lives. Where do we draw the line? How can we balance our own passions and God’s passions?
The answer is simple. Our passions are put there by God. I’m not talking about our wants and desires; I’m talking about what things make our souls fulfilled. Things of value, things that make our hearts glow with purpose.
For me, it wasn’t a matter of figuring out what I like to do, or what I’m good at. There’s a never-ending list of things I’m interested in! What I needed to ask is “which of my interests is both spiritually fulfilling, and can meet a need in God’s kingdom?”
I still haven’t narrowed down my focus 100%, but I’ve gotten a better idea of what I’m supposed to be doing with what God has gifted me with. Part of what I’m passionate about is mentoring young men, and for the last year, I’ve been Assistant Scoutmaster for a local Scout troop. I originally had my reservations about the BSA, being as the organization as a whole (on the national level) seems to be being caving in to politically correct pressure, but I’ve learned that as with most people-led things, each unit is different and depends on the people involved. Much like a church, say the Southern Baptist church for instance. They have the Baptist Faith and Message in common, but how they live that out is different from church to church. You can go on looking for the perfect church and denomination, or you can work on bringing some of God’s grace and love into those organizations, in spite of their shortcomings. (Here’s a tip: any organization with people in it will have shortcomings.)
I absolutely love working with the Scouts, and I love the principles they’re being taught. How those are lived out varies from troop to troop, but I feel I’ve gotten involved with a group that is not only based on traditional values, but also values religion as part of becoming a strong person. So in that environment, I’ve come to realize I can do much more good for the scouts than the organization can do harm to me. It’s something I not only enjoy immensely, but also fills a need.
The core values of Scouting, i.e. the Scout Law, are principles that fit in perfectly with scripture, and I can always fall back on a scriptural interpretation of them to explain why I’m involved.
Trustworthy. Loyal. Helpful. Friendly. Courteous. Kind. Obedient. Cheerful. Thrifty. Brave. Clean. Reverent.
These are all values espoused in Scripture, in one form or another. You could say in a way they point towards God, but really, anything that reveals the ethical and moral nature of man (and its deficiencies) highlights the need for a savior.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking this over. I really want to get back to writing novels and producing lots of music, and any number of other things that I want to do. But of the things I have the ability to do, I think this one would have the most impact for the people I’m around, on a regular basis, at the current time. I of course am still doing music for our local church, and I’m working on expanding that as I get time. But I realize I can only do so much, and I have to choose where my “sweet spot” of passion and effectiveness lies.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that more than one person has warned me against Scouting “replacing” church. And to be honest, I considered that, too. But the primary person I’m worried about “missing” church is my son, and he’s in need of a mentor more than anything else at this point. He knows scripture (more than most adults I know). Bringing him to church isn’t going to soften his heart, or teach him about attitude, or any of those other things that come from one-on-one mentoring. He also gets the most benefit when he’s in a setting where he can let his guard down, unlike at home or church. He thinks best when he’s working, kind of like his dad. When you get away from digital distractions, it helps you think through things.
Basically, I’m filling a need by doing something I enjoy. We’ll see where it leads us, God willing. I could focus on writing fiction novels, and that might have an impact on hundreds, maybe thousands of people. But nobody else is going to be able to minister to my children like I can, and that’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss out on. I’ll have plenty of time to write later on when they are grown, and my wife and I can settle into a beautiful routine of enjoying each other’s company without constant interruptions.
Until then: I’ll be somewhere camping.