Calling...what does this mean?

I think the word "calling" is thrown around in Christian circles a little too much. It seems to me that it has developed some sort of connotation that certain people are mysteriously “called” by God to be professional ministers. I want to clear this up a little. Listen to what Paul says to the Church in Corinth:

  

“…so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NIV)

Ever heard the saying “all for one and one for all”? That is what Paul is saying to the group of like minded believers in this Church, telling them that they were all in it together. Every believer has is a valuable part of the body, and without the parts the body would cease to exist.

But who does what? There is a place of understanding about how God has uniquely designed you differently than anyone else, and how that design can and will fill a need in the church. Each person has different gifts, experiences, abilities and talents, and all have a purpose to make up the Church. When we become followers of Christ, we join the priesthood of believers, look at what 1 Peter says:

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

You see all are called. All are invited to “Follow” Jesus, and collectively we make up the Church – the Body of Christ. The question a believer needs to ask and explore is not “Do I belong?” but “Where do I belong?”, and what part or role do I play in the body? We are not all supposed to do the same thing…but we are all supposed to do something. The church is not the place where we go to watch the “pros” do their thing. The church is supposed to be YOU, and not about a place at all. Church happens when we come together and worship our relationship with God, and find our place in His Kingdom work right now.

Where do you fit? What is your calling, and have you answered it? Pray, seek counsel, and there are even several free tools you can use to help you along the path. We are also starting a new series called “Time to Grow…”. This is a study on the book of James, and is all about Relationship Rescue. How do we grow or fix relationships that seem to be struggling or even dying? Come and hang out , or watch it online later to hear how Scripture can help us with these struggling relationships…

In His service,

Pastor Pat