"Youths from low income households, minority youths, and youths from broken families face a series of barriers to success that may have negative implications both today and in the future" (Gruber, 2009). "Parental participation in religious organizations when the child is young does buffer the child against the negative consequences of disadvantage" (Gruber, 2009). In John 16 verse 33, the bible states "these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (KJV). Without fail, growing in Christ can assist with overcoming worldly challenges. On your pathway to success, be willing to go above and beyond to attain your goal in a manner that is pleasing to God by practicing moral discipline.
Recognizing your calling may be a short or long-term endeavor, however, doing so "is a way of acknowledging that God has wired you to serve in a particular, sustained way over a lifetime" (Koskela, 2015). One form of a calling "generally involves something you are passionate about and which gives you joy" of significance for God and does not necessarily have to be supported monetarily (Koskela, 2015). Colossians 3 verse 17 states "whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (KJV). "You should move forward in humility, making the best choices and plans that you can. As you step ahead in this freedom, you still have the responsibility to live faithfully according to God’s calling" (Koskela, 2015).
2 Peter 1:3-11 (KJV):
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Reflect On The Following Questions Over March:
How can we react when at a disadvantage?
What can you do to live a more fruitful life?
How are your actions towards others?
Have you identified your calling?