Am I Called?

    “Am I called?” For some this is a haunting question. For others it may not even be on the radar (until now). I would like to offer a short and simple answer (for anyone who may be wondering now that you are reading this post): YES! Yes, you are called!

    If you are an unbeliever living in sin and rebellion against God, you are called--you are called by God through the good news of the sin-atoning death and life-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ to repent of your sins (Act 17:30). If you are burdened and worn out by your sin, guilt, and loneliness, you are called by the Son of God, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)

If you are a believer you have been and are called by God:

1. Called to salvation--God has not only given you the gracious external call of the gospel, but by His Spirit He has brought the good news home to your heart and made you alive. As 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 says, “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first-fruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. Called to love--“Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:2
3. Called to holiness--“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…” 1 Peter 1:15
4. Called to hope--“...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…” Eph 1:18
5. Called to serve--”If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you...I know whom I have chosen.” John 13:14-15; 18
6. Called to humility--”Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another...Humble yourselves…” 1 Peter 5:5-6(a)
7. Called to the Church--”I…. urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” (and what does that look like?) “...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord one faith one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Eph 4:1-6
8. Called to prayer--”be constant in prayer” Romans 12:12(c)
9. Called to…. well, I trust you get the idea by now. Yes, you are called. The question is, “Are you answering the call with faith and obedience?” May God grant us ears to hear!

“He who calls you is faithful”--1Thess 5:24