I sometimes wish God would give me the syllabus. I think it would be comforting to know what grade I’m in, what my classes are this term, when exams are scheduled.
Ok. So that isn’t going to happen.
How about if God gave me specific goals and objectives for the year?
Ok. So that isn’t going to happen either.
When I read Acts and the Epistles, I’m struck with how specific the Lord was with Paul.
Paul’s identity and mission
Paul was called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, set apart for the gospel, appointed a minister and a witness, sent to preach the kingdom of God, to teach concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, and to open the eyes of the Gentiles.
Paul knew who he was, whose he was, and his God-given mission.
We know much of that as well
We know Christ calls us by name and leads us. (John 10:3)
We know we are God’s people, His sons and daughters. (Ephesians 1:5)
We know we are saints, set apart by God. (Romans 1:7)
We know we are chosen of God, holy and beloved. (Colossians 3:12)
We know we are on a Christ-led journey to eternal glory. (1 Peter 5:10)
But what are we to DO?
The work of God is to believe whom He sent. (John 6:29)
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:39)
We are appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
We were created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
We are to follow Christ. (Matthew 16:24)
Specific gifts of service
The specifics I long for arise out of the particular gifts and ministries allotted to me by the Holy Spirit.
Each of us is given gifts and ministries. These vary, but each of them is to be used for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
The gifts equip each of us for the work of service, for the building up of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
We are commanded to employ our own special gift in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)
Your identity and mission
[Your name], a saint chosen and called by God to Himself through our Lord Jesus Christ, holy and beloved, equipped by the Holy Spirit for the work of service, chosen to proclaim God’s excellencies, appointed to bear fruit in every good work, and to build up the body of Christ.
Things to think about:
Put your name in that last paragraph. Read it aloud. I hope it gives you a tingle.
Don’t compare what you are doing (or not doing) to anyone else. Each of us receives different gifts. We are all part of the body of Christ, but we have different functions, different areas of service.
Pray about your specific gift and how you are to use it for His glory.
How are you doing?
