You Have A Holy Calling - Yes, You

My Utmost For His Highest

for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16

{CHAMBERS} “The realization of the call [of God] in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural— something that is inexpressible and produces a “glow.” At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through— “I chose you…” (John 15:16). The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. You are not called to preach the gospel because you are sanctified […] Paul describes it as a compulsion that was placed upon him. […] Paul said, “…woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” He had become aware of the call of God, and his compulsion to “preach the gospel” was so strong that nothing else was any longer even a competitor for his strength.”

{ELGIN}  When you read something about the “call of God”  do you think of it in terms of something that happens to someone else but not you?  Have you relegated yourself to the nose-bleed section of the stadium seats while you watch the “called” take the field to do what they have been “called” to do?  I would suggest to you that being called is not limited to apostles, prophets, and teachers (1 Corinthians 12:28-29) Paul wrote “Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from[c] faith for his name’s sake.  And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all …. who are loved by God and called to be his holy people. (Romans 1:5 -7)  Responding to God’s call is not so much about doing, but about being.  And because you “are”, you “do”.  Every Christian is called to obedience to the Word of God.  That obedience only happens by submitting to the will of God and the Spirit of God.  God has not given you a season ticket on the 50 yard line.  He has assigned you a position on the first string.  You must stop thinking of yourself as a non-essential part of the Body of Christ.  Every member is important, to say otherwise is to question the wisdom of God who established the Church on the Cornerstone .. even Jesus Christ.  So suit up my friend – it’s game time!