Fatumania
FIRST LOVE RECOVERY MINISTRIES
FATUMANIA
Riddle:-
"I live in 'a destiny house'.
I woke up in my 'destiny bed'.
I had a quick shower in my 'destiny bathroom' and put on my 'destiny outfit'.
I hurried to eat my first 'destiny meal' of the day.
I dashed out to my 'destiny club' in my 'destiny car'.
At the club,I discussed with fellow members on how we could set up a 'destiny bank'.
Who am I?"
Solution:-
"A fatumaniac!"
The above riddle is of course a plain joke on a serious condition which is universal to all mankind.
'Fatumania' is a syndrome which comprises the various human perspectives of the issue of divine destiny.
'Fatum' is one of the Latin words for the English word 'destiny'.
'Fatumania' describes the various ways in which one can be 'crazy' about destiny:-
One may try to be proactive by designing one's own destiny.
Or one could end up worshipping destiny as a deity called 'Fate' as in classical mythology.
Or one may just enjoy day-dreaming about one's destiny!
Or one may see destiny as a 'new' revelation or doctrine,replacing the 'old',crying 'Out with the old,and in with the new!'
Or one may be so engrossed in the discovery of destiny that one seems to have an endless quest for divine revelations.
Or one may be so passionate about the pursuit of destiny that one strives in one's own strength and wisdom!
Or one may be so obsessed with one's own destiny that one ignores others who need one's help to fulfill their destinies.
On the other hand,one may be excited about others' destinies,but not one's destiny!
Or one may be so vocal in making positive confessions of one's destiny even in one's sleep!
Or one may get intellectually stimulated by being engaged in theological debates about the issue of destiny.
Or one may decide to ignore the issue altogether!
Or one may vehemently deny its relevance.
Jer. 29:11(KJV)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
God has a wonderful master plan for one's life,family,community,and nation!
And God is no respecter of persons!
The master plan for one's life is known as one's destiny.
It is perfectly designed by God himself.
It is not a fragment of man's wildest imagination!
This master plan is executable when one 's relationship with God is restored through Jesus Christ.
This restoration occurs when one repents from one's sins and believes on Christ as one's personal Lord and Saviour(John 3:16).
With such a divine relationship,one acknowledges the importance of the master plan without exalting it above the Master Planner!
One grows in Christ to realise that the whole master plan is only fully known to God!
Deut. 29:29(KJV)
"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."
God still delights in revealing certain aspects of one's destiny so that one can play one's part in trusting and obeying God.
One discovers that the issue of destiny is not a 'new' doctrine or revelation but it helps one to have a better understanding of the basic 'old' Christian doctrines one has learnt(Heb. 6:1-2).
As God's child,one can be led by his Spirit in various ways including divine encounters and revelations.
Rom. 8:14(KJV)
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
God even leads his people through hearing and reading the scriptures,certain circumstances,godly counselling,and what one Christian writer called 'sanctified common sense'.
It is very important that one develops sensitivity to God's Spirit; and discernment lest one is deceived by the devil!
One should learn from one's little mistakes so that one would not make costly ones!
One learns to appreciate the times when God seems silent!
Zech. 4:6(KJV)
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
One begins to learn that one cannot pursue one's destiny in one's own strength and wisdom!
Divine enablement remains the only viable option!
Gal. 6:2(KJV)
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
One begins to explore ways of being a divine help to others for discovery,pursuit, and fulfillment of destiny.
This is possible as one fellowships with other Christians at a local level.
This will certainly enhance the corporate destiny of the body of Christ!
Gal. 6:4-5(KJV)
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."
"For every man shall bear his own burden."
As far as a person's destiny is concerned,that individual is the most important person on earth responsible for its discovery,pursuit,and fulfillment!
One should cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth based on God's opinion about oneself as clearly stated in the bible!
Yet one should be humble enough to receive God's help through others!
James 1:22(KJV)
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
One ensures that one's positive confessions about one's destiny are based on the word of God.
More importantly,one makes sure that one's walk is consistent with one's talk!
2 Tim. 2:24(KJV)
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"
One seeks not to strive with others who do not share one's understanding of destiny.
Remember that one may win an argument but lose the soul of the other person and that is a tragic situation!
John 7:16-17(KJV)
"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me."
"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."
Meanwhile one's personal testimony could be a great and attractive challenge to those who have chosen to ignore or deny the issue of destiny.
It is important that one has a sound and balanced understanding about the issue of divine destiny so as to be really fulfilled in life.
This is the only positive manifestation of 'fatumania'!
About the Author
British-born Nigerian Christian writer living and working in London,UK with website:www.firstloveministries.org.uk