“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 4: 14,16).

What do you want to be when you grow up?

If you’re a young student, I’m guessing you’re naming off some profession, like a doctor, fireman, astronaut, or Youtube mega-influencer superstar. 

Maybe you’re in high school or college, and you’re mapping out a career trajectory based on your current education goals.

I’ll offer a shout out to the other middle-aged Gen Xers out there, like me, who are already down a career path. Maybe some of us are thinking, “Where was that Youtube mega-influencer superstar choice when I was young?”

As an adult, it’s hard to not think about the choices you made, and perhaps second guess where you’d be had you made them differently.  For me, I know one series of choices caused me to miss out on a lot of opportunities that I’m only now finding. 

There were a couple decades in my life where Jesus was in the background.  I was picking the path and making all the decisions.  I defined my purpose. And to no surprise, the highs in my career never felt like enough, and the lows felt like they were going to wipe me out.  I was never satisfied that I had found my purpose.

Luckily, Jesus knows exactly who I am.  I am the light of the world.  And he knows exactly why I’m here.  To let my light shine before others so that they can see the goodness of God.  I was made with purpose for a purpose.

When Jesus calls me the light of the world, I see that as the best “career advice” I could receive. No matter where I end up, I’m there for the right purpose.  As a doctor, you can do good for the glory of God. As a salesman, you can do good for the glory of God.  As a stay-at-home parent or a full-time caretaker? Do good for the glory of God.  

And for those of us who still aren’t sure where they fit? Here’s Jesus. Open yourself up to his Spirit, and start with his purpose.  

And for those of us who look back and regret some of our choices? Here’s Jesus. Open yourself up to his Spirit, and find new purpose.  

And for those of us who chose Jesus, but fell off the path? Here’s Jesus. Open yourself up to his Spirit, and find renewed purpose. The truth is, the question never was “what do you want to be?” The question is, “who are you?” and Jesus has the answer. And regardless of what you think you want or who you think you are, every single day is an opportunity for purpose though Jesus.

It’s not “what do you want to be?” It’s who you are. And Jesus has the answer. Pick a spot in your life, like school, work, a relationship, or something in your community. Where can you be centered on who Jesus says you are, and focus less on what you’re trying to be?