Calling

Calling

"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Ephesians 4:1(NIV)

Calling. An often misunderstood word. We are all called. God does call people into ministry full-time to be preachers, youth ministers, children's ministers, worship ministers, missionaries, and serve in other capacities.

However, I believe we are all called by God. God has called all of us to live for Him. God has called all of us to live for His purpose and His will. The issue is not about God not calling us, as much as it is about us hearing, seeing, or knowing that we are being called by God. I don't want to paint a negative picture of being calling into full-time ministry, but at times it gets very frustrating serving in a ministry capacity. I've had the opportunity to both attend church and serve in the local church and the stresses and frustrations of serving the local church and it's people can take a lot out of you.

Many people leave the ministry or have issues because of how they are treated or how they handle the stresses of working in the church, it's not an easy task as many who do not know think it might be. However, on the flip side of that, it is also one of the most rewarding and exciting ways to live out your life in the service of God. Though many give up and get out of ministry, some even leaving the church, our calling into ministry is what motivates us and sustains us through the valleys and the mountain tops.Just like some are called into full-time christian service, all are called to live to God and sometimes even as a christian or a one seeking God, we can get frustrated, aggravated, overwhelmed by life, the church, even other christians and it makes us want to give up. Don't!Many people have been turned off of church by the church.

Many people have been turned off of christianity by christians, and many people have missed their calling by focusing on distractions and not God. Despite it's people, the church is still the body of Christ and the greatest thing going. Despite many human imperfections, christianity is still the only path through Jesus to God. We cannot give up on our calling, throw in the towel, or ignore God's voice because of how others act, our own struggles, or the world's distractions.I want to encourage you today that you are called by God.

Specifically and individually God has called you to live for Him, serve Him, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. He wants to use you and your time, talents, and testimony for His glory. He may not be calling you into full-time ministry, but you are still called. But, then again, maybe one of you reading this today is being called into full-time ministry by God, are you listening