Do I have to follow the career path my parents want me to take?

Last updated on November 2, 2020

Question:

I know that we should give up our selfish desires and do what God wants us to and become the person God wants us to be. God has a specific career for us. The interests we have had been put into our hearts by God right? I don’t know.

My parents want me to do some small job and get married. My interests are totally different. I want to clear government recruitment exams and work for the government, which will require time and hard work, and I’m working on it. Should I give up my dreams and interests for my parents? Or should I go ahead with it? Does this make me a rebel against my parents and God? Because my parents are not happy with what I’m doing. They are just forcing me to do what they want. Will God help me with my exam preparation?

Answer:

First off, if God wanted someone to have a specific career, then that person would not have any choice. God cannot be hindered from accomplishing His goals. However, nowhere in the Bible does it say that God makes all your decisions for you. He has given us free-will. He tells us what makes for good choices and what are bad choices, but the choices are yours to make.

While you are a child, you were to obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1-2), so long as what they requested of you is in accordance with God’s teachings. But when you grow up, the choices are now yours to make. Your parents can advise you, but the decisions are your own to make. Never confuse your parents’ wishes for God’s.

If you wish to have a career, then do so. Realize that if your parents don’t agree, they have the right to no longer support you, if they so choose.