I have known many a good man who was “called” of God to preach the Word, the “whole counsel of God.” And others who have been “called” as missionaries to carry the Gospel into strange lands. I even know a fine Christian who feels “called” into youth work, helping transform the lives of born-again teenagers into the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many “fulltime” musicians and song leaders are certain God has “called” them into the music ministry. And yes, that’s a Bible Principle. God has “given the Church” certain skilled “helpers” like Pastors and Teachers and so forth. (Both Ephesians 4:11 and Jeremiah 1:5 provide us examples.)
But what if I suggested to you that every Believer in Christ is “called” into something? (By the way, the Holy Spirit has convicted and “called” us to Salvation, or we would still be in our sins! 1 Corinthians 1:9) But I here mean “called” to a certain way of life.
“Called” to live right!
My Verse to prove such an idea?
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord (Paul), beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
Look at this Scripture: “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” 1 Thessalonians 4:7, see our “calling?” Unto holy living!
My point?
In addition to all else we may do for the Cause of Christ … let’s be sure to live up to our “calling” to pursue lives of godliness!
Jesus even now, I believe, still prays to His Father on our behalf …
John 17:17-19 … “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”
Sanctified lives, holy and pure and clean and separated from the filth of the world!
So we are all “called!”
So should we live via the Power of the Holy Spirit!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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