Cultivate a Life of ImpactSample

CULTIVATE YOUR CALLING

Every human being has been called to serve the purposes of God in their generation. As we understand Christ’s calling as Saviour, Lord, and Heavenly Bridegroom in the book of Ephesians, we discover the implications of that on our personal lives. Calling always implies that we are living beyond ourselves.

Philippians 2:4-8 (ESV) is so key in this –

‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.’

Living beyond ourselves implies:

• Sacrifice – we are willing to give up who we are right now, in order to become who God wants us to be.
• Service – we are willing to give ourselves to others and invest our lives in those around us.
• Selflessness – we are willing to live beyond ourselves and give ourselves to Christ and His kingdom.

This means we will do what is necessary. We do not have to earn our place in society anymore. As we discover who we are in Christ, we will live from that revelation. As believers, we are called to work together like a body. We are all equal in value as members of His body. Each of us has a different role to play. If we don’t know what our giftings are, we will not be able to serve God’s calling for our lives.

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV) builds on this –

‘For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.’

We spend our energy to serve others in fulfilling the calling of God in their lives.

Colossians 1:27-29 (ESV) concludes this thought –

‘To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that He powerfully works within me.’

Two questions to ask today –

1. How willing am I to sacrifice, serve, and be selfless in the kingdom?
2. Which gifts has God entrusted to me to make a difference?

Our prayer –

Jesus, may I have the same mind that was in You to serve others with my time, talents, and resources. May I walk worthy of the calling You have entrusted to me to present every person mature in Christ.’