Running for Our Calling


Recently I saw a teenager from church post this verse on his Facebook status as a way to shame people out of watching movies because they can't glorify God, apparently. And that bothered me, so it got me to thinking, why do we as the church have such a hard time with this concept? And what does living our lives for the glory of God really look like?

The best I can tell, it has a lot more to do with the motivations behind our actions than the actions themselves. Sure, we should avoid sin, but what if there's more to it than that? What if we have a higher calling, something to run . . . towards instead of away from?

into marvelous light I'm running

We often hear this verse associated with things we shouldn't do. Don't watch R rated movies. Don't have sex out of wedlock. Don't say curse words or look at pornography. And I agree wholeheartedly--it's of vital importance that as Christians, we avoid these things. That we avoid the sins that would burden God's heart and make Him displeased.

But there's so much more to live for.

Notice what the verse is really saying. It's not a list of things we shouldn't be doing. You often hear teenagers asking youth ministers about the lines of appropriate behavior. How much is too much when it comes to difficult friendships, dating unbelievers, even kissing. But what is wrong with our doctrine that we've encouraged young believers to ask these things, to come to think of faith as a line we shouldn't cross rather than a marvelous light we're running toward?

Far from a list of sins to avoid, this verse takes on a different tone entirely. The English major in me can't escape the word "for" in the latter part of this passage. We are to do everything for the glory of God. Wow. Now there's a new thought entirely.

God has given you, and He's given me, the blessing of today. Often, I find myself going through the day, satisfied to not commit any blatant sins. But battles are never won simply because warriors didn't do anything that day worth mentioning.

God has placed a purpose upon your life, upon your heart. Allow me to encourage you today. We aren't made to be running away from something. We're meant to run toward something else entirely. Whether that's smiling at your kids while you're doing the dishes, or whether that's polishing the WIP you feel will never see the light of a bookstore, remind yourself today. God has a plan for your heart, for your life. And sometimes the littlest steps accomplish the biggest things.


  1. Love this, Ash. I love the idea of running toward something.

    I often find myself wishing that I was living my dream, fulfilling my calling...writing from home, being a SAHM, and teaching online...but then I remember that I can honor God where I'm at in my day job as an editor. He's placed me HERE for NOW for a reason. Maybe it's so I can shine a light to my co-workers. Maybe He's building something more in me, like patience and perseverance. Those things can't be overlooked. Though working this job day in and day out can seem unimportant in the grand scheme of what I dream for my life, it's not. Every day, He's doing a work in me. Every day, I should be running to Him, sitting at His feet, and asking, "What do you want me to learn today, Lord?"

    I've loved getting to know you more. I think we're a lot alike. Can't wait to meet you. :)

  2. I can't wait to meet you too, Lindsay! And I know what you mean, particularly when it comes to a workplace that can at times be predisposed to be antagonistic toward traditional Christianity. Sometimes it's hard to see the light when it feels so small... but what is that quote? A light shines brightest in darkness?

    Thanks for coming by today! :)

  3. I so need to hear this. I have been exposed to some pretty negative "Christianity" lately, and I feel like I am in a fog of what it means to be me in this whole "walk" thing. Anyway, I just really needed these words, Ashley! Thank you!!

  4. Aw, I'm so glad, Ang! Be encouraged because you are awesome. I know it's hard when you feel lambasted. :)