It's always so tempting to "keep my options open." To make career choices so that I'm free to do many things instead of few things, to avoid committal so I can easily go in any direction.
More and more, however, I'm becoming convinced that this kind of "freedom" really isn't free at all.
I think that this whole idea of "keeping my options open" is really attractive to my prevalent postmodern world because it gives the illusion of freedom. It makes me feel like I'm in control. I don't have to commit to something in case it disappoints me. Not only is this seen in careers, but it's seen in religious beliefs. I'll choose the aspects of a religion that appeals to me, but I won't commit because of the responsibility that will ensue. Plus, I might be let down by the church.
Several of my friends had a very strong sense of direction in life in college but now are "keeping their options open." They reason that they can really do ministry anywhere, so why does it matter if they devote themselves to a specific ministry? While I certainly do agree that we've separated the secular from the spiritual too much and ministry can, in fact, be done anywhere, I think that this thinking is flawed.
Is doing God's work "anywhere" the best use of our limited time here on this earth? Wouldn't it be better to be whole-heartedly committed to "something" instead of "anything?" Wouldn't it be better to discover "something" that uses your talents, passions, and interests and REALLY matters than to listlessly float around amongst "anything?"
Seek first the kingdom. Be committed to God's kingdom. That brings freedom.
