Peter, the Called
When I was growing up it was never questioned if I would go to church or Sunday School. It was assumed. I received every badge and every prize offered for attendance, yet I didn’t know God personally. Oh, I knew about Him but I didn’t KNOW Him. There is a difference. I was 30 yrs. old before I realized that God was calling me and finally responded.
In this third message on Leadership Lessons I want to discuss our calling. To be called is to be chosen and invited into relationship by God. We can experience several callings in our life but the first must be our calling to salvation. See how Peter responded,
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8 NKJV)
However, that was only the beginning. He had so much more for Peter and He has so much more for you! He has placed within you a destiny, a plan to participate with Him, to help and serve others. Do you know that?
Peter was called to be a disciple, a learner, first. He spent over three years learning from Jesus. We also have a calling to be a disciple. Are you consistently learning and growing in faith? Yet Peter was also called to be an apostle. This word has been confusing in the Christian world but I see it very simply. It means to be sent. An apostle is a ‘sent one’. You can be sent to the nations, to your community, or even the grocery store! God sends you where He wants you to represent Him. It’s not complicated. Did you ever have someone tell you that what you said was just what they needed to hear? That’s God. Were you ever at the right place, at the precise moment, and experience a ‘God moment’ with someone? He is sending you. Now, don’t go around calling yourself an apostle, you’ll confuse people. Stay humble. It’s not about you, it’s about Him. Ministry is about serving, not about titles.
When you are involved in leadership of any kind it’s important to spend time with God. He will reveal to you where He wants you to serve. Yes, I said serve. Ministry is serving others and there is great reward. Spending time with God allows Him to encourage you, to give you direction, and develop your calling. You can’t do it alone. To know God is to know His heart and that only comes by spending quality time together. Ask Him about your calling, it can change over time. Ask Him about His plan for you at this time in your life, and discuss it with Him. Accept your calling, it is a privilege.
Read the full chapter by clicking on the link, www.thecourseoflife.com and go to Resources. The ebook is titled Leadership Lessons Captured from the Life of Simon Peter, I think you and those you serve with will benefit from it.
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