Called to Be

This is a little different style of devotional but it’s a new day and I am beginning a new study of 1 Corinthians that may take a few weeks to complete but I wanted to share a little bit of it as I worked my way through it. The letter was written by Paul to the church of Corinth that he helped establish in 50 to 51 AD. The letter is written for the edification and correction of the Christians who were there. It like all scripture has application for us today. We read in the opening verse and Paul provides some interesting and very important points for us today;

1 Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

1 Corinthians 1:1 (ESV)

First point that is made by Paul is he is called; I have to ask what does it mean to be called? Personally I believe we are all called only a few of us hear and respond to the call on our lives. Yes we might answer the initial call and commit to salvation but there is so much more to being called than sitting back waiting on the Lord to call us home. Paul makes this point clear; He was called by God’s will and for a purpose we see two little words that we need to ask ourselves after we accept the call. To be, is a statement and question all rolled into one. You have been called but what have you been called to be? In Paul’s case it was to apostleship; what about you? Not every person is called to preach God’s word. Dave Thomas the founder of Wendy’s once made a very true statement that I agree with; “The problem with Christianity is not that we need another Billy Graham but we need more Christians who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.” Not selling any persons calling short but often the church needs people who are called to get their hands dirty; by serving in any number of positions. You see first and foremost we are called to be servants to those around us. Through the acts of service we are witness to the grace of God in our own lives and examples for those who we interact with. If you are a Christian and you are unsure of what you are called to. I recommend you first begin with prayer asking God to reveal the gifts He has given you. Than take those gifts and ask Him to provide opportunities for you to use them to bring glory to His name. You might be overwhelmed by the position you find yourself in. But be assured Jesus goes before you in everything He calls you to. He has promised to complete the Good work that he has begun and one day we will all better understand what we have been; called to be. Have a truly blessed day as you walk in the light of His word.