In a world where so many things compete for people’s attention, it can be difficult to slow down and listen for God’s direction. People may wrestle with where they should go, what they are supposed to do or what their purpose is.
Scripture describes believers as being called for a purpose.
The Bible describes this calling in 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
The passage describes a calling to proclaim God’s work, but understanding what an individual calling looks like can take time.
California Baptist University emphasizes the idea that each person was created for a purpose and encourages students to explore what that purpose may look like in their lives.
Some students arrive at CBU with a clear idea of what they want to pursue, while others discover that their direction changes along the way.
Jayden Chi, freshman exercise science major, originally believed his future would involve music production before other opportunities caused him to reconsider.
“I always wanted to work with athletes but wasn’t sure how yet. Then I started coaching kids and refereeing… and I realized it brought me joy to teach other kids how to play sports and just care for them,” Chi said.
Chi’s interests in sports and working with children eventually came together as he began considering what he wanted his future to look like.
“[I want to] facilitate an environment where kids can grow in their love of sports and athletics at a young age and continue to train and get better so that they can look forward to that in a career,” Chi said.
Other students find their sense of direction unfolding over time through different experiences and opportunities.
Karyn Sanner, sophomore digital media communication major, remembers considering several different careers while growing up.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in my life. Growing up, I wanted to be a bus driver, but then I was like, ‘Oh, I want to be a veterinarian.’ But I never knew what that path was,” Sanner said.
Sanner’s interests became clearer after she began pursuing photography in high school and recognized ways she could use those skills to serve others.
The process of choosing a direction, however, still came with uncertainty.
“It was nerve-wracking at first, because I have no idea what I’m doing with this [major], where is this going to take me in life… And now I’m here in college, and I’m like, ‘OK, yeah, CBU is where I’m meant to be,’” Sanner said.
Sanner originally planned to attend a different university, but her experience at CBU has given her opportunities to build friendships and continue pursuing her interests.
While students may think about calling in terms of majors and careers, Christian teaching can define purpose more broadly.
Annalisa Williams, discipleship staff member in spiritual life, explained that she believes Christians share a larger calling to glorify God and make disciples.
“If someone is a believer, I think the clear calling is that our lives are used to glorify God… the verse continues and says, ‘All authority has been given to me, go therefore and make disciples.’ So if you’re a believer, I think our purpose on this earth is to make disciples who make disciples,” Williams said.
Finding a specific direction may not happen immediately. Students may discover their interests through classes, relationships, unexpected opportunities or experiences that change the plans they once had.
Calling can look different from one person to another. Some students may recognize a direction early, while others may need more time to understand where their interests, abilities and faith intersect. For Christians, that process can include listening to God, seeking him and remaining willing to follow where he leads.
