Two young sons of a pastor got involved in a typical sibling squabble. They sparred verbally until the older brother had enough—and he knew just how to shut down the fight.
Photo by Danica Tanjutco on Unsplash
With condescending glance and tone, he simply stated,
“You have no destiny.”
If you’re a charismatic Christian, you know that’s the worst insult he could have come up with!
I’ve spent my entire life in Pentecostal/Charismatic circles, and I’m grateful for my background and history in many ways.
That said, I see both strengths and weaknesses in my tribe.
One of our strengths is believing God is intimately involved with his people and the Holy Spirit speaks prophetic words of guidance and direction to us as needed.
Such guidance and direction might include insight about ministry callings and various assignments the Lord may have for us.
It’s exciting and uplifting to gain insight about our personal gifts and abilities and what God has in mind for us within his great plan. It’s wonderful to have a sense of purpose in life, especially Kingdom purpose.
I’m uneasy about the term “destiny,” though, which has become popular among Charismatics and often shows up in prophetic words.
Destiny defined has more to do with predetermined, unavoidable fate and fortune rather than a nuanced, complex life of faith. I believe our walk with Jesus looks like an unfolding journey with twists and turns and choices, not a set-in-stone fate.
But the bigger problem with the term “destiny” is it can easily lend itself to self-aggrandizement.
I have a destiny! I’m really somebody!
Unfortunately, encouragement about someone’s future can go too far and slip into flattery.
(A better term for destiny might be “purpose,” although we can take that too far as well.)
Two temptations must be avoided when we consider our destiny or purpose as a follower of Jesus.
First, we must be careful not to confuse destiny with identity. Our destiny is about what we do; our identity is who we are. Every child of God is utterly loved by him, no matter what we do or don’t accomplish.
We can’t earn more of the Father’s love by doing things for him. We can’t increase our personal worth by getting stuff done for Jesus.
Second, we must guard our hearts against our culture’s tendency to exalt the individual. Yes, each of us plays a unique role in God’s grand story—but it’s his story, not ours. We’re merely bit players contributing what we can as we obey God.
Let’s not allow the pursuit of personal destiny to lead us into delusions of grandeur concerning our seemingly all-important personal futures.
Contrary to our celebrity-worshiping society, each of us carries the same exact worth. Despite our differing destinies, each of us is created in God’s image. No one is worth more than anyone else.
Taking a step back and zooming out to view church history can be helpful here.
Think of how many countless saints have walked before us, each with a unique purpose and destiny. Think of how many other believers are walking out their faith today, some at great cost.
Most of all, let’s think of Jesus and where his destiny led him:
…who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity…he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name… (Philippians 2:6-11)
Yes, God has plans for individuals. Yes, he encourages us with insight about our purpose in life.
Let’s just remember that getting clues about our “destiny” doesn’t mean we get to live a self-glorifying, pain-free, glamorous life.
Not if we’re truly following Jesus.
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To learn more about the gift of prophecy, purchase Prophesying Daughters: How Prophetic Ministry and Women in Leadership Strengthen the Church, AND the study guide for under $20. Also available in audio book and eBook!