NOW! Called.

For many years of my adult life, I’ve been fascinated by “The Call”.  If you’ve spent any time in church or around preachers, you’ve probably been introduced to these words.  In fact, all you have to do is approach a pastor and say, “Tell about your Call”.  There will be no hesitation or question that you are referring to their commitment to follow Christ in ministry as a pastor.

The same question posed to Christians in congregations all across western civilization usually turns out like this:

“So tell me about your “call” as a Christian.”
“What?  Oh no, no, no.  I’m not being “called”.  Not me.  I’m not a pastor.
“But you sure would make a good one.”
“Nope. That’s the preacher’s job… He’s “called” to that.”

And so the faith continues to dwindle, our pastors get burned out, and we miss the point completely. We all sit back and swear we’re not called to “do that” while pastors are left to shoulder the burden.  Paul wrote his letter to the Roman Christians to help them understand that if you love God, then you are called.

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Plainly, Paul is telling them and you… that if you love God with all the strength you have, then He will direct you according to where He can use you.  And let’s not forget that loving God means giving yourself to service in love of your neighbor.

There is a big misconception that being “called” means you are supposed to be a preacher or pastor.  That could not be further from the truth.  There are countless references to the “body of the church” that explains how each Christian has a part or a role to play.  We all CAN’T be pastors… if we were, there would be no “flock”.  Right?

When you say “yes” to God, you are committing your talents and energies to be available for Him to use them as He sees fit.  Whether you realize it or not, if you profess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, then you were “called”.  Now it’s just time to be available.

Sitting around and trying to discover your “call” is time wasted.  I dare not speak or think on behalf of God, but taking the entire Bible into account… it seems that if He wants you to know something or do something or be something… you won’t have to search for it.  It will be right in front of your face.

There are certainly more significant stories from people who were physically shaken when they heard God’s call on their lives.  But don’t use that as a measuring stick for what you should be doing.  Some of us need a slap in the face, while others simply evolve into the place God needs them.

My grandfather was called to be a preacher.  And to hear him tell his story is one of the most inspiring, humbling, and awesome accounts I have heard.  A big, brawny, man’s man that had his own problems in life was plowing a field and was touched in a way that physically brought him to his knees in a sobbing lump.  He told me the story many times with a gleam in his eye.  It wasn’t until a year after that moment in the field that when sitting on the porch in his rocking chair, contemplating life, that God told him it was time.  He felt the presence of God and knew it was time.  He knelt on the porch at the foot of the rocking chair and said:

“God, if you will supply the preacher, I will supply the man.” – Rev. O.C. “Tommy” Dawson

So a man with a 6th grade education submitted his talents and abilities (the man), and God used Him as a preacher for 50 years.

For most of us, we’ll go through our Christian lives wondering if God has something bigger in store for us.  Some of us will deny being called by God.  Some of us will accept being called by God.  Some of us will never really feel called by God.  But at the end of the day, remember that those who love God are called.  It’s not a question of when, how, or where… you are.

Your pastor stepped up… and is being used by God in the way that is intended.  As Christians, you should step up and be available to be used by God with the talents and abilities you’ve been given.  Just because you don’t stand before a crowd and speak… you have been called.  Nothing is too small for God to use in your life to impact the life of another.

Are we clear?  Do we have a good connection?

May you open your eyes to the world around you and understand that being called comes in ways and shapes that are right in front of your face.  May you take hold of your faith and Love God by loving your neighbor as yourself.  Open up the lines of communication to be one who Loves God, so you can receive your call.

Peace,
Greg
Acts 4:31

About

Welcome, and thanks for dragging yourself over to Live|Bold! My name is Greg Arnold and I am pumped to see you here. This interactive online community is here to point every man toward the cross. Whether you have been a follower of Christ for ages, or you are just stumbling into this strange new world of faith, we have something of value to offer you. This online e-zine is a cross between a blog, a social network, a resource center, and a pulpit. My hope is to inspire you to live your faith on the outside and be a real man for God. We need you in the fight.