The Crux: My Calling

Walking together with God gets really personal when we take responsibility for our own relationship with God and face our own shortcomings. It gets even more "real" when we realize the real reason for God's work in our lives: ministry. God does love us. He is willing to forgive us. He did lay down His life for us and He does send His Spirit to dwell in us. He doesn't, however, do these things just to help us feel better or enjoy a better quality of life. He has something for us to do.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV)

We are all called by God to be His ambassadors, making disciples of all nations. We have a job to do. Forgiveness, reconciliation, resources, gifts, and His Spirit are all given to help us collectively accomplish His mission. Your specific gifts are given by His Spirit to empower you to do your specific ministry. He empowers you to do your part in His Body...The Church. Nobody understood this better than Peter. Jesus didn't forgive Peter and reconcile with him just to help him feel better.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "You know I love You." "Then feed My lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "You know I love You." "Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said. A third time He asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, You know everything. You know that I love You." Jesus said, "Then feed My sheep. (John 21:15-17 NLT)

What is your calling? What specific part (or parts) of His plan have been entrusted into your care? Are you living it out? Living your ministry...that's the crux of the matter.