Calling in Life

Several years ago, due to an illness in a family member, we had the joy of getting to know a doctor. As we would talk during visits, it became obvious the doctor did not know Christ as her savior. She still today, as far as we know, does not know the Lord. What was remarkable was the passion for her profession and how deeply convicted she was to be a physician. She was speaking to me about this one day when she made the statement "it's almost like a calling". This analogy made her a little uncomfortable as she thought she was sounding "religious".
My response was that in fact she was "called" to be a physician. God had given her that ability and the gift to bring healing to the physical body through the knowledge of medicine. She seemed surprised that God would call her, or give her gifts, when she did not profess to be a Christian.

Paul wrote of this matter in the following verses.

1 Corinthians 7:18-20 

 18  Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

 19  Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

 20  Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

In the Corinthian church, as many folks were getting saved, they were struggling with their new found faith. Many were confusing the call to witness with the call to serve in ministry. Does God call some to serve in ministry as pastors, evangelists, etc.? Yes, He does. But God calls a far greater number to remain in the profession they are in at the time of their salvation.

Paul says to the Corinthians if when you get saved and you are a Israelite, then you should still be an Israelite (circumcised). Paul says to the Gentiles, when you accept the gift of salvation you should still be a Gentile (uncircumcised). Why? Because your nationality is no longer of importance. You now are saved and serve God just as you are and where you are. Obedience to Christ, this is now of greater importance in the walk of life.

Sometime the greatest calling of God is to serve right where we are. Ministry is not the occupying of the office or position, but rather the working out of the calling.

What is the gifts and abilities that God has given you? Are you using them for the Lord? Are you serving God by doing a specific job or task? Do you witness and share the faith? Do you use that ability or place of work to support your family and pay the bills? Do you put God first and despite your busy schedule give time weekly to worshiping the Lord and with fellowship of the believers? Then, you are very likely in ministry.

Pastor Ray
Pastor Demian

Thought for the Week
Ministry is not a position in life you get into.
Ministry is getting into position in life to serve God.