A Word from Pastor Stephen – May 30, 2020
“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29 NIV)
Far too many people think that a “calling” only means full-time Christian ministry. The only kind of “call” anyone can experience is to be the pastor of a local church. Of course, many people are called to this kind of ministry, but it means so much more.
Actually, your calling doesn’t need to be your job at all. However, you can be certain that God calls each and every one of his followers to do something to help build his Kingdom. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)
We should never be jealous or resentful of someone else’s calling if it happens to bring them notice or admiration. Focus on what God wants you to do. Your calling might be to teach a Sunday School class. It is a sacred calling to teach people the Word of God. Your calling may be to work with the homeless or to focus on an outreach ministry of the church. God may have called you to work with children or youth. Your calling may be to visit shut-ins. A calling could be the gift of encouragement. A calling can take so many different forms. Never underestimate what you can do for God. Paul again reminds us of our gifts by writing, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Cor. 12:11)
You don’t have to be the pastor in the pulpit. You don’t have to be in professional ministry to do the work of God. God has called you to do something. Do it every day for the rest of your life. Go change your corner of the world. Amen.