What’s Our Calling?

“Don’t ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filfth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes.” -Oswald Chambers

Slow down for just a second because it is not a quote that Chambers actually said or something I am endorsing. But think about it for a second. Do we ever live our lives in this manner, maybe without ever realizing we are?

Chambers is hypothesizing why some Christians act the way they do. I think he is right. How often do we get caught up in our own wrong message to the world about Jesus Christ!? I recently read a blog post by Tony Morgan, Are We Married to the Mission or the Methods? How often are we getting caught up in all the hoopla surrounding the great and lavish church services that we have created in today’s society? Beyond getting caught up in the lights and sounds, what about in ourselves?

How much time do you spend with God on a daily basis. I hope a lot. Maybe some of you are saying, “Not enough.” Well that is fine, but are we solely focused on this? 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (ESV).” God’s ultimate goal for us is to obtain Holiness, be one with Him, and live forever with Him when this earth and heaven pass away (Revelation 21). While we are commanded to strive for this by doing God’s will and follow Jesus’ teaching, THIS IS NOT OUR CALLING.

Our calling is to preach the gospel, plain and simple. First take a look at what God said in Exodus 19. “…And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests…” God calls us ALL to be a kingdom of priests, not a kingdom with a priesthood. We are all called, just to do different levels. And while some are called to be pastors and ministers, preaching the gospel is not reserved for a select few. Again in 1 Peter 2:9-10, “…that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” And what was the last thing Jesus said to the disciples before ascending into Heaven? He looked at the disciples and said, “ok now guys, it is up to you. I have equipped you with all that you need and now it is time for you to go and do your thing.” And Jesus gives us the Great Commission at the end of Matthew 28.

The best example we have of a believer carrying out his purpose is that of Paul. Paul was not overly interested in himself. Paul was not conscious of himself. He was recklessly abandoned, totally surrendered, and separated by God for one purpose – to proclaim the gospel of God. He understood full and well what being a Christ follower was really about. Do we?