Midweek Message from the Archive
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’s a difference. I was 30 yrs. old before I realized 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 experience several callings in our life but the first must be our calling to salvation. See how Peter responded to his call,
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
That was only the beginning. God had so much more for Peter and He has so much more for you! He has placed a destiny within you, a plan to participate with Him, and for you to help and serve others.
Peter was called to be a disciple, a learner, first. He spent over three years learning from Jesus. We have a calling to be a disciple as well. Are you consistently learning and growing in faith? 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 your words were exactly 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’s sent you and you responded. 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’re 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’s great reward. Spending time with God allows Him to encourage you, 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 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 as a privilege.
And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory. Romans 8:30
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