My supposed-to-be-500-words essay for College of Evangelism
After rereading my essay, I thought it would be good to show all of you my reasoning for taking this course when there are a lot of other things I could be doing with my life. I hope you get a blessing out of it.
There were many career paths I wished to follow when I was young. So many in fact, that I just decided to excel in all academics and hope for the best. Honors, advanced placement, and college level courses were all too common to me, as I took up every possible challenge that I could undertake to secure a rewarding future. AP Calculus, AP English Literature and Language, Advanced Engineering courses one through three, Honors Chemistry, Honors Anatomy and Physiology, AP Studio Art: I took them all in hopes that I might secure a future of prosperity in whatever path I tread. And yet, I could not choose. God let me graduate in the top 10% of my class, a decorated honors student, leaving high school with a 75% paid scholarship to any Florida university, six guaranteed advanced placement college credits to any college in the nation, and hopes to become an architect. Nevertheless, hesitation to follow my own way would become my greatest blessing. At this prosperous time, God clearly presented to my family the prophet’s warnings to flee of the cities, and made provision for us to do so that we may grow closer to Him. Far from our comfort zone, far from so many opportunities for earthly gain, far from all I had ever known, God called us to go. Here in this new place, quiet and detached from my old life, God helped me to feel more keenly the need of a personal Savior to guide my life in His way. Though His many messengers in The Present Truth Ministry teaching our small group here in Eastern Washington, God has called me to draw nearer to Him than ever before. There are still many paths that I wish to travel; but now, in all things that I do, God’s blessing has become the most crucial element. Any step perilous to my soul or a curse to my peers is not worth taking. Thus, I pray that the training in bible work and evangelism that I may receive will draw me closer to God; that I may hear His voice and know His will, be firmly grounded in His Truth, know that my every step is heavenward, and be a shining reflection of my Creator and Redeemer. I have tried, many times in vain and anguish, to stubbornly follow my own way. But God is merciful, and in mercy He has taken me in and guided me to this point: the valley of decision. All heaven gazes down after me wondering, ‘will he follow Christ’? Council has instructed me in many ways, and lay me here to wait for His calling. Here I am, praying for direction, knowing only that I must draw nearer to Him in all aspects of my life that I may hear His voice and follow His will. This course, as far as I can see, is a stepping stone in the right direction; aiding in my study habits and methods, giving me the opportunity to be in a God directed atmosphere, and helping me to discern His will for my life. Indeed, the study of God’s Word is a much deeper process than that of any other subject (as it directs you in every aspect of life, not merely tries to explain one). Perhaps my previous study has made it more difficult to learn from the Truths written in childlike simplicity. Even so, I know the importance of personal study, and do my best to retain that which God teaches in His Word. Being trained in Bible work will aid in finishing the foundations for my soul temple, and will help me to live a Godly life. It may take some time, but to know God’s Word as the Bereans would be a great blessing in my life. Knowing just a little of God’s Word is often enough to know that one’s course is in the wrong direction, and for many it is easy to ignore this. But now I know that in these last days one wrong turn may be our last chance forfeited. We are not promised another day, and Christ’s coming is soon at hand. If any path that I ever wished to take, that of the 144,000 is the most desired (though I know it is the most difficult). With each step I must draw closer to my LORD and forsake all downward steps, even (with tears) to the loss of friends and family ties. For this is the will of God, that we may know Him as He is and present ourselves a living sacrifice for His cause. During one study the minister made an interesting statement; that we will not go into Heaven or unto Hell alone. The loss of any soul brings a pain to the heart of my God that through eternity will not be relieved. I could not bear the thought of any longer committing such a heinous act, to further wrench the heart of God, and eternally condemn my friends on Earth. To draw nearer to God, that every step may honor Him, is a blessing to all. I could wish for nothing greater. From day to day, many people try to cope in lives without the Hope that Christ has to give to all who will accept it. How can I continue to follow my own way when, if I follow in His way, I can show Christ to a perishing soul longing for truth? How can I sit idly by when, to some, I may be the only reflection of Christ that they ever see? How can I live, knowing that in Christ I can lift someone out of their sorrows forever and into His marvelous light, and not heal them? As in my life I now have the hope of being a great blessing to all around me, whether they accept it or not, I cannot but long to reflect Christ; who has created and redeemed His fallen children from the sin of the world, if they would only accept their freedom. My instructors in public institutions said I had potential to become anything I wished because of my achievements; all I know is that I wish to be is like Jesus, because He changed my life and can change the lives of all around me. Through the instruction I receive in bible work and evangelism, I hope to attain all of these things; not selfishly, but that with these precious gifts I may be a blessing. There is no higher calling than to serve God, having zeal with knowledge and not in ignorance. Whatever God will have me do from this point unto the end or beginning of my life, this I pray that He will strengthen me to do.