If you think about the idea of “one size fits all” it’s quite laughable. I’m talking about “one size fits all” in regards to our roles and responsibilities in life and in the Church. In fact, not only is it laughable but it’s contrary to Scripture which tells us over and over again that we are separate parts of one body designed to play unique roles; parts that need one another. So, my question then becomes, why does it seem that so often in the church we communicate the message that one size does and should fit all, that our lives should all follow the same pattern?
I’ve spent the better part of my life believing this myth. Now I’ll admit, it was and is something that I have personal control over. I can chose to listen to the myth or to look at Scripture and listen to it. But, that doesn’t make the myth okay. And that doesn’t mean we should go on communicating, intentionally or not, that myth as the Church.
Let me explain a bit what I mean. When I graduation from college and decided not to become a teacher to work in the church after spending 5 years studying Education and getting my State teaching license, people thought I was crazy. Fast forward two years and I’m again doing something that most people have told me is crazy. I’m leaving my job – one that many would consider a “dream job.” I’m moving. And I haven’t really a clue what I’m going to do and have just recently decided that I think I know where I’m going to move to but even that is still kind of up in the air. Most people I have shared my story with think that I am absolutely insane.
Why do they think I’m crazy? They think I’m crazy because I’m 25 and I have no intention to “settle down” or “lay down roots” anytime soon. (Side note: I think you can “lay down roots” without being tied to one geographical location) They think I’m crazy because I don’t have getting married and starting a family at the very top of my immediate priority list. Nor do I have a laser focused career I’m pursuing or a ladder I’m looking to climb. (Side note #2 – You can tell the path people think you should be following by the questions they ask) And I’ll admit that there are times when I have to stop myself because I’m thinking they’re crazy for wanting all of those things right now that I don’t.
But the truth is God uses all sorts in His Kingdom. If we were all nomadic and laid down roots as we traveled the world engaging in relationships with friends and missions around the globe the local church would struggle. And if we all wanted to settle down and stay put the global church would struggle.
My encouragement to you (and to myself) is this: Live the role God has given you intentionally and with purpose. Embrace it even if others think it is crazy. Seek to use your unique role and gifts not to separate yourself but to bring people together for the Kingdom.
And my encouragement to the Church (and to myself as part of the Church): May we learn to embrace the different roles God has created for His people. Let’s seek to build relationships with those who live different roles that together God can use us to do amazing things for His Kingdom.
They do say that a tree's roots are as wide as its branches. So when people bring up something about "roots" just tell them you far-reaching branches and that your roots cover a lot of ground.
For me, my roots are in Tennessee since I was born here; in Virginia because I was raised there; again in Tennessee, but specifically Nashville since I started honing my passion and skills here more precisely; and now Alpharetta, GA as I pick up and move there in a couple of weeks.
I still think I'm crazy for giving up everything I know and moving to a new city. And I may be, who knows. But I know that I have a passion for serving the church and so far I've bounced between serving in the church and serving the church through technology support.
Focused carree paths are overrated anyway. It's all about the big picture and taking it one step at a time and discovering how each step along the way fits in to the big story.
I'll stop commenting now before my comment ends up being longer than your blog.
Oooo…I like that part about a tree's roots being as wide as its branches…I'll have to remember that!
I'm all for not having a focussed career path. I'm all for not fitting the mold everything thinks I should fit. I'm okay being crazy. But, I'm not okay with a church the continues to permeate this myth.
I'll pass along some words from a wise mind when I asked the question "Am I crazy?" His repsonse: "Yes, Katie, you are crazy. Welcome to the club."
Welcome to the club, Chris!
You're only 25? And people are questioning why you're not thinking marriage and "settling down?"
Ignore them.
Settling down is a relative term. As a parent of Gen Ys, I consider them settled if they are living on their own, graduated from college and supporting themselves. Sounds like you're doing that very well.
As for marriage, goodness, tell these questioners you have your whole life to be married. But only once do you have this short time of independence – time to truly focus on the plan God has for you.
I really admire your generation. You are taking time with your life. And as you do that, you're doing some awesome things. My kids and their friends have traveled throughout the world. They volunteer for humanitarian causes and work in jobs that positively impact more than just themselves. They are diverse, open-minded and see the realities of life much clearer than I did at their age.
You don't have to be married, have kids and living in one place to live according to God's plan. You also don't have to be working in a church or school to be doing his work.