ALL BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO SERVICE If you have received Jesus (Jn. 1:12), been born again, justified, or declared righteous you are called of God to serve in His Kingdom in some way. There are no unused members in the Body of Christ as far as God’s plan is concerned because all members have a place (1 Cor. 12:18), a function (Eph. 4:16), gifts and graces (Rm. 12:6; 1 Peter 4:10). The Body of Christ is the Church and the word for “church” is “called out ones.” We were called out of darkness and called to salvation but we are also called to service. 2 Timothy 1:9 says, “2 Tim 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” Our past condition, our present circumstances, our personal characteristics, and our private concerns are no obstacle to God really using our life. He knew all about all that before we received Jesus and He is committed to our maturity and development to get things worked out of us (Phil. 1:6). So what hinders the 80% of the Body who are yet to report for duty? Here are some thoughts on that: 1. Some think it is a draft instead of a call. As if God will make them answer the call or force them. 2. Some think it applies to only certain and some members (ie. the fivefold ministry Eph. 4:11). 3. Some equate it with a job or vocation. Our calling is not primarily tied to our employment; we don’t lose our calling if we lose or change our jobs. Very often our jobs are too small to give full expression and opportunity to release all God has put in us. 4. Some feel inadequate like Gideon in Judges 6. We will always feel inadequate from looking at ourselves only from the natural. We are not just who we are by birth, training, and experiences but we are also who we are by the grace of God 1 Cor. 15:10. 5. Some live in isolation, decide everything on their own, and never subject themselves to the Godly wisdom and counsel God has made available through fellowship with others. 6. Some do what seems right in their own eyes and won’t submit to the final authority of God’s Word. 7. Some have never allowed the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to open the eyes of their understand to know the hope of His calling or what Jesus expected from saving us and calling us into His service Eph. 1:16-23. I’m sure you could add to the list. Go ahead; I’d like to know what you think.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 10:36:49 +0000
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