Most of us feel called to a certain career or work. We can feel called to date and then marry a certain person. We can also feel called to a specific philanthropic work. While there is no doubt each of us have specific areas where we are talented and perform well, God has called us to some things even higher.
You see, you have been called to salvation in Christ Jesus. God ultimately wants every single person to be in a relationship with him. Just read John 3:16-17 to discover that. Through Jesus, God’s son, there was a bridge built so that God and we could have a relationship.
You have also been called to sanctification. That’s a second semester word that simply means “set apart” or “holy unto God”. Paul tells us in Romans 12 that we, as followers of Jesus, are not be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our mind. In other words, we have been set apart to live differently than the world around us. Our lifestyle is called to be holy…to look more like Jesus every day.
And you have been called to serve. As we imitate Jesus, we realize whether it was his Father or the people he interacted with daily, Jesus served. Paul says in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do, do it for Jesus…” And we don’t have to have it all together to do this. God actually calls those who are imperfect and untrained (see 1 Corinthians 1:26). God doesn’t call the prepared, he prepares the called.
However, when you answer God’s call for you life, know there will be a cost. When you say “yes” to Jesus, there is a price to pay. Many of you have discovered this. You are the only Christian in your work place. As you try to live for Jesus, you get criticized and experience isolation. As you represent Jesus in the PTA or the neighborhood watch group, you get called crazy for wanting to look like Jesus.
I have also noticed in my own life, God will often use your deepest pain for your greatest calling. I’ve realized that over the last 10 years. I have some personal pain in my life and I have found God wants to publicly use that to point other’s to him.
But even so, I realize that your calling will sustain you. It carries you forward in your story and the story of God. Look at Paul. He endured so much for Jesus’ cause. How did he stay passionate and moving forward? It was not because he was competent but because he was called. In Philippians 4, Paul says “He presses on for the heavenly prize…” And we should as well. Our goal is to lift the Name of Jesus and move forward knowing we will get to live with our Creator forever.
So don’t let the world talk you out of your calling. Don’t let them hinder your giftedness. God offers you salvation. He calls you to a transformed life. He wants you to serve this world through His story. Blessings on your journey.