Scientist by the Will of God: Why I Left Asceticism for Academia
God often harnesses both autodidacticism and formal education simultaneously for powerful effect,1 He likewise employs solitude as a way to refine and ready believers for unique circumstances.2 These periods of seclusion are often of limited duration—as exemplified by Moses’ forty years in the wilderness (Ac. 7:30). Reflecting on Christ’s words makes the reason clear—our purpose is to effect change:
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world (New Living Translation, 2015, John 17:15-18)
For the longest time as a youth, I grappled with my purpose—my raison d’être (i.e., my reason for being).3 But in His sovereign design the Lord led me into twenty years of ascetic autodidacticism where I taught myself a myriad of sciences. There was a time during my journey when Satan sought to deceive me away from God's providential plan.4 It was a time of darkness—to bring about my ruin—but God came for me in that brief darkness and drew me out by Name.5 Just before I stumbled through a door I believed was meant for me, He closed it, steering me back onto the course shaped by years of His preparation. Now He has restored me to my true calling, guiding me from a posture of holy separation into a sphere of purposeful influence. After decades of steadfast trust, God’s will in my life has been revealed—and now that His purpose is made manifest, my enemies rage and seethe with deep hatred and hostility. Unwittingly, God used their every move against them—leaving them defeated and frustrated.6,7 The will of God will be accomplished in my life, both in this world and the next.
Let’s turn in our Bibles to Ephesians. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God: Now, if you were writing this epistle, take out the name “Paul,” insert your name, and then whatever it is that you are. … it is a mistake to try to be something that God hasn’t called you to be—something that God hasn’t equipped you for. … Whatever God has called you to be—and equipped you to be—is God’s highest calling for your life… So Paul is just declaring his own card: “What I am, I am by the will of God.” That’s what’s important (Smith, 1979–1985; 0:00-2:52).
Forged by the weight of countless years and tempered in the fires of perseverance, I have come to embrace the gifts God has equipped me with in the sciences—gifts that culminated in my induction into the honors society. By His grace I’ve been blessed with spiritual riches, and in the fiery crucible of solitude, God shaped me to reclaim that which darkness once stole. I invite you to join me in reclaiming the sciences—uniting humanity against the forces of darkness and guiding all into the light of knowledge and salvation.
1. Luke 2:46-47; Acts 7:22; Dan. 1:4–5
2. Mk. 1:6; 1Kings 17:2-6; Acts 7:30; Gal. 1:17
3. Gen. 32:24–30; Exo. 3:11, 4:10–11; Jon. 1:2–3, 1:17, 2:2, 3:10; Judg. 6:36-40
4. Genesis 3; Matthew 4:1-10; Job 1-2
5. 1Sam. 3; Gen. 46:2; Job 33:15-16; Zec. 4:1; Acts 18:9
6. Psalm 37:14-15; Psalm 94:21-23; Psalm 21:11
7. 1Kings 22:21-23; Judg. 9:54
- New Living Translation. (2015). Tyndale House Publishers.
- Smith, C. (1979–1985). Studies given at calvary chapel costa mesa [Audio recordings]. C2000 Ephesians 1. https://resource.cccm.com/calvarychapel/c2k/275%20Ephesians%201.mp3
Together in action, united in spirit, aligned in purpose. Ordo Dei Invictus.