Our Calling

Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? It's a question that we all grapple with at some point, and it can be both daunting and exciting. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about our calling, and when we understand and embrace it, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are making a difference in the world.

So, what does the Bible say about our calling? Let's dive in and take a closer look.

First, we are called to love and serve God. This means that our relationship with God should be at the center of our lives. We are called to love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we make loving God our top priority, everything else falls into place.

So, what does it mean to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength? It means that we prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. We seek Him first in all that we do, and we strive to obey His commands. We also make time for prayer and Bible study, knowing that these disciplines help us to grow closer to God and understand His will for our lives.

He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

Loving our neighbor as ourselves means that we treat others with the same kindness and compassion that we would want for ourselves. It means putting others' needs before our own and serving them in practical ways. When we love our neighbors in this way, we reflect the love of God to the world around us and bring hope to those who are hurting.

When we make loving God and others our top priority, we begin to see our lives through a new lens. We are able to navigate challenges and opportunities with a sense of purpose and clarity. We find meaning and fulfillment in the simple act of serving others, and we know that we are making a difference in the world.

Second, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to represent Him here on earth. We are His hands and feet, and we are called to share the message of salvation with others.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Being an ambassador for Christ doesn't mean that we have to be perfect or have all the answers. Rather, it means that we are willing to share our own stories and experiences, and to point others towards the hope and love that we have found in Christ.

One practical way to be an ambassador for Christ is to look for opportunities to share the Gospel with those around us. This might mean striking up a conversation with a neighbor, coworker, or family member about faith. It could also mean volunteering at a local ministry or serving in your church. When we are intentional about sharing the message of salvation with others, we bring hope and light to a dark world.

Another way to be an ambassador for Christ is to live a life that reflects His love and grace. This means treating others with kindness and respect, even when they don't deserve it. It means forgiving others when they hurt us and extending grace and mercy to those who are struggling. When we live in this way, we show the world what it means to be a follower of Jesus and inspire others to do the same.

And finally, we are called to use our gifts and talents to serve others. God has given each of us unique abilities and talents, and we are called to use them to make a difference in the world.

If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

Discovering our gifts and talents is an ongoing process that often requires some self-reflection and feedback from others. One way to discover your gifts is to think about what you enjoy doing and what comes naturally to you. What activities or tasks energize you and make you feel alive? Another way to discover your gifts is to ask those close to you for feedback. What do they see as your strengths and abilities? What have they observed you doing well?

Once you've identified your gifts and talents, the next step is to find ways to use them to serve others. This might mean volunteering at a local organization, starting a small business that helps meet a need in your community, or using your skills to mentor or teach others.

When we use our gifts and talents to serve others, we not only make a difference in the world, but we also experience a sense of fulfillment and purpose. We were created to live with intention and to make a positive impact on the world around us. When we embrace our calling to love and serve God, to be ambassadors for Christ, and to use our gifts and talents to serve others, we can live with confidence, knowing that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

I encourage you to take some time to reflect on your own calling. How can you love and serve God in a more intentional way? How can you be an ambassador for Christ to those around you? And how can you use your gifts and talents to make a difference in the world? When we embrace our calling with courage and conviction, we can change the world, one person at a time.