Christian Carson’s advice for Trevecca students following Spiritual Deepening Week

What advice would you give to students who are struggling to find their spiritual path or purpose during their time at Trevecca?

My advice would be to breathe. I have a unique view on purpose that I think may differ from some, but may provide some relief from anxiety. I think the word 'purpose' is often misappropriated and used interchangeably with other words that describe existential realities. I believe purpose in and of itself is universal to all Christians. The purpose, or reason for our existence, is to glorify God! To expand his Kingdom, to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbors. When the Bible speaks of God's will for us, it gives insight into the universality of our purpose:

• "For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." 1 Peter 2:15
• "For this is the will of God, your sanctification..." I Thessalonians 4:13
• "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18
• "...Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God..." Romans 12:2

Do good. Be sanctified. Give thanks. Be transformed. That is “purpose.”

However, in my opinion, that word seems to be used interchangeably with career, anointing and calling. Here are the ways I’d define those terms instead.

1. Your career is your talent or skill you exchange for income.
2. Your anointing is a spiritual gift God gives you that empowers you to be uniquely effective at a particular thing. (Romans 12 lists some of these spiritual gifts; many of which are not even most useful in a church context. That's an entirely different conversation.)
3. Your calling is an assignment you've been given for a particular season of life. And your life is a series of assignments God gives you based on his providence and foresight for the given time. So for Trevecca students, you may be called to just be the best student you can be at Trevecca right now, while fulfilling the universal purpose for a believer. I think my short bio is a perfect example of how different callings in different seasons of life together form one clear purpose once you look back on it. You will have many different callings or assignments throughout the course of your life, and the moment you stop answering the call, then you are out of purpose.

Christian Carson, family pastor at Change Church in Atlanta, GA, has a diverse background in ministry and leadership. Originally from Washington, D.C., he has worked in ministry for a number of years. Carson's hands-on experience and impactful leadership at Change Church underscores his qualifications and dedication to spiritual development. He brings a compelling blend of faith and resilience to Trevecca's Spiritual Deepening Week.