“So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation],” Ephesians 4:1
“for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],” 2 Timothy 1:9
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Romans 11:29
The first verse [Ephesians] encourages believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”. Paul’s instructions to Timothy’ is a bit more specific. And in Romans we learn that there is never a ‘mistaken’ call.
Just as God doesn’t make junk He also doesn’t make mistakes. When you think about it… He doesn’t change His mind either – it’s just that timing sometimes dictates the completion because of His great love and compassion – but He does know the end from the beginning simultaneously, while we humans tend toward an immediacy.
*QUESTIONS:
Do you agree with Paul’s definition in Ephesians?
Do you check your own life against this standard: a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]?
[slight rabbit trail: how do you “express gratitude”? Is it only
words?]
How do you react to what Paul says to Timothy? Delivered… saved… called - all with a holy calling - we know Who is doing the calling (l’m beginning to wonder if we are listening correctly… The Word tells us that we will know His voice but never forget that satan likes to disguise himself as an angel of light and the Word tells us to test the spirits and also gives us how we can test.
Calling ALWAYS involves place and position. You may be in the right place but are you in a position where you can be a blessing and also be blessed? Example and questions:
Do we, individually and corporately see a talent or skill in another person and only think of them in that light? Example: Joe is terrific with mechanical problems but is never asked to be a co-teacher with the class of 5th through 7th graders.
Do we say ‘no’ for others before discovering their gifts and callings and not just their skills? Perhaps, regardless of the need, we should know our fellow congregants and what they enjoy doing first?
I would argue that we all have a variety of ‘callings’ in and on our lives. One of those callings is to the church we attend. Somehow I don’t think we’re called there because of the people who attend, nor do I think it’s because of the Pastor… and yet those 2 areas are very important – for some reason we place more emphasis on that than what we feel led to be, do, in the church.
Another aspect about being called to a church is that we aren’t called to be a pew sitter. Pew sitting is not a calling unless you are called as an intercessor for that congregation, that Pastor, for the service. So the question becomes… did the Lord call you to the church you are attending? If not then He will direct you to where you need to be if you ask Him. Wherever you are called, He will also provide opportunities for you to serve but allows us to accept or decline, though we miss a blessing when we say no.
One source says,
“… Christian calling must be pursued as an expression of our faith in God,” I’d add that for any Christian pursuing meaning in their life, that it is indispensable. For me, there is such joy and confidence when I know that I am doing and saying precisely what/how the Lord is leading me.
Actually, everything you are involved with in your life is a calling of sorts. Big question …are you continuing to grow in all the calls? Another example: look at your job… how did you get there? If you don’t feel that you are living a meaningful work life, then you should ask – are you supposed to stay; and why and if you are supposed to go – then where? You will be answered. Whichever the answer – what should you be doing to be in the place you should be?
*This is another way of looking at yourself by looking at the calls on your life.
Have you ever viewed yourself this way?
Though not exhaustive, here are some Scriptures on ‘call’:
2Peter 1:10 / 1Corinthians 7:17 / Ephesians 4:4 – 1:18 / 1Corinthians 1:26, S1 – 1:9 / 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 – 2:14 / Romans 8:30 /
