Ephesians 4:1-6 (NLT) - Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
Do you ever wonder about your calling in life? The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul to the people of Ephesus. The book was intended to be advanced teachings for believers of Jesus Christ and may be a little more difficult to assimilate. This verse is filled with a panoply of messages about our calling and the way we should behave in the course of work.
The two words that challenge me the most are "worthy" and "calling". I have a difficult time understanding that, "I" have been called by God to do anything and if "I" were, certainly do not feel worthy or capable to do what he has called me to do. Do you ever feel that way?
Even though we may not be conscious of it, it is more than likely that we ARE living to God's call. We have all been called to use the talents, knowledge, skills and abilities that God has given to each of us, united with the Spirit for the good of others.
A calling may be a passion for fixing things that are broken (like a mechanic or carpenter), or building things (like airplanes or computers) or creating beautiful works of art (like a sculptor or musician). It may be the unique ability to put together a business deal that changes the lives of others or a scientist working to find a cure for illness. A calling may be a service such as a nurse, teacher, entertainer, taxi driver, janitor, cashier, mother or father. All of these are valuable talents and contribute to the good of all.
A calling is a vocation, passion that we fulfill with joy and engagement, not just a job. It may become a job, however, if you are not one with God. God would not have given you the passion for a calling if he did not believe you worthy to carryout his plan. You have been created beautifully and for his purpose. You are worthy and you have been called!
Dear Lord,
I pray today that you help me to recognize the work that you have called me to perform and the confidence to complete the work in your name and according to your call to me. Thank for the blessing of this gift and this wonderful life. Amen
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
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