Make A Difference With Your Higher Calling

Make A Difference With Your Higher Calling
The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.-William James.

My personal philosophy is that life must have a purpose and a meaning. I believe God created each and every one of us for a purpose. When he molded you, he also gave you mighty potential to explore, to discover and to use our natural endowments and talents to contribute to the common good and add value to the human family.

You should never take your life for granted. You are not here to drink, eat and make merry. You are to serve God. You are serving God when you use your unique gifts, talents, abilities and capabilities to do something which will improve the quality of life for others while improving your own.

You must live your life for others. Let your life impact positively on the lives of others. Find out how best you can add value to the lives of others. Look around you and you will find some who desperately needs help to make his burden light. Help them find a solution to their challenges. Do not withhold help from the one who needs it.

Knowing who you are is important, knowing your higher calling is even more important. We are all actors and role players in the arena of life. Some came and made their exit without leaving a legacy for humankind. These were people who did not understand the true purpose of their lives. They were like people who embarked on a journey without a destination.

The people who left their footprints on the sands of time were those who discovered the true purpose and meaning of their lives and gave their all to its fulfillment. If you want to live your life with a difference, you need to work in which you can best apply your talents and achieve results.

Oprah Winfrey, one of the richest and wealthiest women on earth today remarked; “There is a sacred calling on your life, and the question is; Will you spend your life flittering and fluttering about or take the time and really heed that call and create your own path to your highest good? You cannot let other people define your life for you. You are the author of your own life.”

As Oprah indicates, everyone has a sacred calling, that calling is special and unique and is meant to improve conditions in this world, to make life better for the human race.

The apostle Paul identified his higher calling and organized his life around it and made tremendous achievements.

Paul wrote: “I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course my brothers and sisters, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.”

I believe you know what my higher calling is. I write to inform, educate and entertain. My writings have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to others.

One of the most difficult things in life is determine what one's higher calling in life is. Listen to the small voice within you that tells you why you are here, what brings joy to your life and what you can do that will enrich the world and yourself.

You can reexamine your life and straighten the rough edges if it is not unfolding the way you want it. Be a problem solver and a world changer. Be intensely results oriented person. Do not follow the crowd. Follow your heart. Fix your mind on what is noble and worthy.

I also want to remind you that for every prize there is a price. You sometimes have to make sacrifices in order to reach your goals. Every success story is preceded by a history of serious preparation. Whether it is in the field of sports, music, industry or academia, preparation is an integral part of the success journey. The cliché no pain no gain holds true. Also remember that; “A calm sea never made a good sailor.”

Preparation equips you to rise above your problems. Luck, in the words of a very wise man, “is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Like a bunch of keys, we've got to find the one that opens our particular door.”

Once you decide on what you want to live for, failure should never be an option. As you strive, solutions will emerge. Keep on trying, never give up for the tide will turn and you will arrive at your destination or port of call.

In conclusion, there is a higher calling on your life, identify it. Live a value driven life. As you pursue your dreams, remind yourself that, “Success isn't instant. Every great thing has been built exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little.”

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The writer is AG. Regional Commander Of Prisons/Ashanti.