Called

Good Morning,

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV)
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Often, when we think about our being called, it's that we then have to go and do something to fulfill that calling. Although that may very well be true, let's not forget that we have first been called simply to accept Jesus as Savior and to walk with Him as His disciple on this earth; sharing the good news about God's plan of salvation.

We are facilitating a Bible Study in our home which, coincidentally, is named "The Call To Follow Christ...Six Disciplines for the New and Growing Believer." In this study we'll learn ways in which we can be more fruitful and understanding about being called by God. I mention this because it's important to realize that, once we've been called, we need to seek out ways to study and learn what it is God would have us do. I mention it also to remind everyone how vital it is to be connected with a small group of believers who will support us, help us, and be there for us in times of need...and for whom we can be there when others have need. A part of being called is being obedient. That obedience includes loving one another. Loving one another can only be truly effective when we gather together and get to know each other. I feel that the best and most effective way to get to know one another and be able to truly love one another is to gather together in our homes. Believe me, it works.

Today's verse tells us that we don't have to be special or learned or in any other way unique or exceptional in order to be called by God to follow Him. Paul tells us that God can and will use any of us, all of us, no matter where we were before we felt that call in our lives to live for Him. That's the important thing about this, I believe. God uses us just as we are, right where we are, right at this time in our lives, to fulfill His will and purposes. Paul writes, "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." You see, God gives us all we need to be effective for Him.

But, let's not forget that first and foremost, we have been called by God. What He has us to do after He has called us to follow Jesus is wonderful, yes, but at least for me, the most important thing is simply the fact that He loved me enough to call me. I guess, that's the point today.

God loves you and has called you.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David