The Calling.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
(Ephesians 4:1, ESV)
How many of you know you are called? Like called to do something? In fact, Paul exhorts (encourages) us Christians to walk in our calling, but what exactly does that mean?
Hey everyone! It’s your girl Julie, back with another segment of “Salty & Lit,” and in today’s post, we’re going to be talking about callings.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul is exhorting the church to live a life worthy of their calling, but what does that even look like? We all have different callings in life, but at the same time, we all have an expectation on how we are to live. We are to be salt, light, among other things, and our conduct matters in how we treat others (Christians and non-Christians). In Scripture (the Bible), we’re often told we would be known for our love for one another as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). Yet in John, that talks about being Jesus’ disciples. Ephesians talks about the conduct that we should have with one another: Paul continues on by saying, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” We are called to live a life with all humility, which means thinking less of ourselves (not in a self-deprecating way) and putting others first, to live with gentleness (the way you speak to others), patience, and bearing with one another in love (how you relate to one another). When you’re patient, you’re not quick to get angry with someone, but you meet them where they are, supporting them in the way God leads them to.
Our calling is to support one another, to bear one another’s struggles (Galatians 6:2), and it’s through that, people will know we’re disciples of God.
A thing I want us to know is that supporting each other doesn’t mean neglecting oneself. The Lord calls us to love one another as ourselves, so there is a point of loving yourself that’s involved, but it shouldn’t become selfishness. As Salty & Lit people, we’re called to live a life worthy of our calling, showing our love for Christ through our love for one another. Let’s pray.
Dear God, You are so good. Thank You for being our Friend. Help us to know Your truth and understand our calling is to serve one another in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
