My grandmother promised I would be a preacher, but I want to work in tourism. What do I do?

Question:

Dear sir,

Please clarify my doubts. Before I was born my grannie made a promise to God that she would dedicate her grandson to church ministry, he would do church activities and he would work as a minister. She thought that I should become a pastor and my mom also agreed. But the problem is I have a passion for tourism. I like to explore this world. I did my degree in master of tourism administration. My lifestyle, my likes, are different. I can support ministry, but I can't work as a priest. Now I'm confused as to where to go for my career. Will God punish me if I choose my own lifestyle? Am I doing anything wrong? Please advise me. It's killing me and confusing my life.

Answer:

While your family may have their preferences regarding what they would like you to do, the choice for your life is your own. God doesn't command people to work in certain career fields. If you worked as a minister, you would likely be a poor one because you would feel that you were forced into the choice.

Your grandmother made a foolish promise because she attempted to promise what another person would do, which is not in her control. Christians don't need vows because we are to be honest in all that we do. "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment" (James 5:12).

You do what you enjoy doing, to the best of your ability, always keeping in mind that you serve God first and your employer second. "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free" (Ephesians 6:5-8).

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