As a college student, there are a couple of classic questions that I have to answer when talking to each and every adult I come in contact with. The first is, "So, what are you taking at college?"
To which I answer quite gleefully, "Biblical and Theological Studies!"
A glazed expression comes across the questioner's face at the mention of the word "theological" but they know enough about what the word "biblical" means to know that I am studying religion. I watch as they struggle to find words to say and inevitably the next question comes up, "Soooooo, what kind of job can that get you?"
At this point I am filled with shame. What I should do is confidently proclaim that I desire to enter into the ministry as a Missionary and proclaim the gospel around the world. What usually comes out instead is, "Well, I'm not too sure exactly, I think I want to be a missionary when I'm done, it would be sweet to help people and travel around the world and stuff..." To which the other person usually nods and tells me I seem to have it all figured out.
How pathetic is that? I know exactly what I want to do, I want to be a missionary, and I'm pretty sure I will be serving in South Africa, although that will be up to God. Why do I have such a hard time telling people what I want to do with my life? Is it because, this is a job that won't make me a lot of money? Is it because many of the people who ask me this don't believe in God and so I can tell they think I'm crazy to be dedicating my life to this cause?
If I am ashamed now, in a free country like Canada, to admit that I want to spend my life proclaiming the gospel, how in the world am I going to actually proclaim the gospel in a country that may not allow that sort of thing?
Just as the disciples were transformed into boldness by the power of the Holy Spirit of Pentecost, I pray that I may be transformed into boldness and feel no shame of the gospel of Christ risen.
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