What Is My Calling?

Matthew 28:19-20

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Colossians 3:23-24


"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."


Many Christians struggle with what God is calling them to do. They pray earnestly that God would reveal a great plan to them, with details, involving His idea for their life. This is not wrong, because God tells us in His word that He has a purpose for our lives. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesian 2:10 God does have a plan for our lives, and it is not wrong to think about and pray for direction as to what it is; however, what if part of that plan has already been revealed? In these two scriptures we find that God has given each follower a general calling. We are to do everything for His glory, and we are to make disciples. We are told in 1 Peter 3:15 that we should "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." This suggests that we are living a life that begs people to ask about why we have hope? In our work, we are committed and do everything without complaining. In our studies, we are diligent. With our words and actions, we are kind. We do not get involved in gossip or backbiting. All of these things make us stand out as believers and followers of Christ, and will eventually lead others to take notice. When they ask us why we are the way we are, we introduce them to our Savior and Lord who leads us day by day through His word. As far as making disciples, some would suggest that there are only a few who are called to make disciples, that this commandment was only for the Apostles, or for modern day Elders and Teachers of the Bible--of which we are told not to strive to become, because those that teach the Bible are held accountable for what they have taught on the final day of Judgement. We think this, because we are afraid of what it means in our personal walk with God. We are too timid to teach others about the Bible. We are not well versed enough in the Scripture, or we simply are not good at speaking or teaching, but making disciples is a call to everyone. We are called to help others grow closer to God. Even if we know very little about the Word of God, we still know more than the person we are teaching, even if it is simply the basics of salvation and sanctification. The truth is, not knowing the Bible well should spur us on to a deeper understanding of God's word, not lead us to apathetically disregarding our role in discipleship. If we do not know the answer to a question or have a lack of understanding about something related to eternity, should not we be seeking the answer? And when we have found it, and it is exciting, should not we share it with others? In conclusion, if we ever wonder what our calling from God is, let us recall that God has already made the call: "Make disciples and do everything you do for My glory!" Amen.

Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers

2 Timothy 2:4-7

"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

When we think of following Christ as a disciple, these three pictures may guide us on what that entails. A soldier does not get distracted with anything that is not his mission. What is our mission on earth? We are called to make disciples and claim victory over death and the enemy. We so easily are taken off of this objective, mostly because we do not see our enemy, but his tricks and schemes are vicious and subtle. We must be ever on our gaurd to combat him and his sinful forces. We can not become entangled with earthly things, but must keep our eyes heaven focused. Not that we are escapist, but rather that we are careful to remember that eternity is what matters most. In another way, following Jesus is like being an athlete. We can not jump into the field or court and do whatever we want. Following Jesus is not determined by our guidelines or emotions. We do not dictate what things we are willing to do and what things we are unwilling to do. Those that practice this, will not and cannot obtain the prize set before us (eternal life). No, Jesus said to follow Him, and He gave us a guide to lead us in His ways. Only the righteous may enter the Kingdom, and those who are righteous practice righteousness. We are saved by grace, of course, but the proof of the genuineness of that grace comes through our earnest pursuit of obedience to Christ. We can not say that we love Him and then ignore what He has said. Those who hear His words and do not do them are like fools building their houses on sand. Finally, the farmer who tends to the crops should be the first to taste of their fruit. The reward will come. Those that do not tend to the field given to them, will not reap the reward. God has given us each talents and gifts. He has given us work to accomplish. We are saved by grace, but for good works. We are promised eternal rest, but only after the work is finished. Stay true and steadfast in the work that the Master has placed you, and you will reap, if you do not lose heart. So three admonishing pictures: Keep focused, Obey God's calling, Remain steadfast. I encourage you, dear Christian to do the same.