13 February 2008 - I know what I'm here for: Being Faithful to Our Calling
I used to think of being faithful to our calling simply in terms of tasks or jobs that God has given us to do... It’s pretty logical to understand it in that structured and ordered way – but over time my understanding has broadened to also think in terms of situations and relationships.
One key insight that really helped was something I heard, and remembered ;o), from a sermon. It was this; Any situation into which a Christian enters has the potential to be eternally transformed because around them is an ‘Open Heaven.’
In a sense it was nothing new, we’ve all doubtlessly heard about how we should “be Jesus” in the situations and to the people that we encounter. Yet that phrasing opened my eyes more fully to that particular truth.
It speaks to those amongst us unsure of the role, task or job that God wants us to be involved in presently. The reality is this: we can make a difference in whatever we are already involved in.
So when we’re thinking about our purpose in terms of faithfulness to our calling the challenge isn’t just ticking the box of the area you serve in, it is something much broader and deeper than that...
That’s not to say discovering the areas that you are uniquely created and formed to serve in is not important – on the contrary, in those places God will work freely through you – rather it’s recognising the immense potential / responsibility we have:
1 John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
Remembering that the servant was commended for being “faithful” not “successful” – we trust God for the fruit of our work, some things to reflect on.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh that you might be faithful to this calling.
- Bring to mind a few things you will be doing today (maybe people you are meeting)
Pause now and ask: Father, what are you doing / wanting to do here?
- Is there an area of service you are being called to / are shaped for – are you serving freely or is something holding you back?
David Brown | 