Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 17, 2019
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
We all want to know why we are here. The Westminster Catechism states that it is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” So in what ways do we do that?
Much has been written about calling and purpose. They seem interchangeable, but is there a difference? I believe there is.
I would suggest that calling, which is synonymous with vocation, is something we are called to. It may be a particular job or career. It could be a ministry or philanthropy. It might even be a particular role, as a parent or mentor, for example.
We are to do what we were uniquely designed to do. – Mart Martin
Purpose expresses our giftedness – what we bring to our vocation. God designed us with certain interests and skills that begin to manifest themselves as early as childhood. Think back. What really excited you? What activities captured your attention and imagination? What situations brought you joy or broke your heart? Those are clues to your giftedness. And the reason you are here is to use it in the different situations God calls you to. By the way, the nature of these may change over time.
For years, I believed I was created to achieve some big, elusive goal that God had planned for me. And while I was confident in my faith, I worried because I wasn’t sure if I was following the right path, wherever it was leading. An entry in Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest opened my eyes. In it he says, “We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not … It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.”
So it is in the process of using our God-given gifts where He calls us that we glorify Him. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Notice that “works” is plural. This suggests that we may be called to different roles or organizations over time, but regardless of the position or place, we are to do what we were uniquely designed to do.
There is one calling, however, that never changes for believers: ultimately, Christ is calling us to Himself. And while we are on that journey, Oswald Chambers says “moment-by-moment obedience is the goal.” To use what we’ve been given. To be who and where God wants us to be.
That is what it is like to be called – and to live with purpose.
Prayer
Lord, how would you have me use the skills, talents and interests you’ve given me?
Application
Is my worry about reaching an undefined “big” goal preventing me from simply enjoying the journey God has me on?
Related Reading
Matthew 5:16; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-9; 1 Peter 2:12
Post/Tweet today
Our calling is our vocation. Our purpose is to glorify God in how He has uniquely gifted each of us. #WisdomHunters #purpose
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