Thoughts on Calling – Galatians 1:1
Galatians 1:1 (HCSB)
Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead
Reading through Galatians the other night, I came across a couple of verses that really stood out to me in regards to your calling. What is your purpose in life? What are you here for? Why were you born?
Paul – the apostle Paul – who was responsible for much of the early spread of the Gospel throughout the Roman world and for a large portion of our New Testament, had this to say. He did not choose his calling – God did. He was not an apostle because he chose to be (in fact, when he was making his choices he was persecuting the church) – he was an apostle because God had called him to be one.
And so it is the same for you and I. No we are not apostles, but we are who we are because God has a purpose for us, God has a calling for us.
What a great comfort! Because if God has made me who I am today, despite the effects of sin in my life and this world, then God will continue to use me how He wants to, because I am surrendered to Him.
Galatians 2:19-20 (HCSB)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
It is no longer my life that I am living – but the life which God has set out for me, that I may serve him completely.
And furthermore, now that I live this life and calling, who am I seeking to impress?
Galatians 1:10 (HCSB)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Now that I am called by God, to His purposes, I no longer need to seek the approval of man (not that I ever did need to – but it sure felt like it!). Instead, I am to seek only the approval of Him who has called me through Jesus Christ to be forgiven, and taken into His service.
Where does all this leave me? Above all, it leaves me comforted. I can be safe and sure in the knowledge that no matter what anyone else thinks (including myself sometimes!), I am called by God. And if I am called by God, I will also be strengthened by Him, and whatever His purpose is will be compelted in me. Finally, it is only to Him that I need to seek approval!
So take comfort. No matter what God has called you to, the key is He called you, and He has the power to ensure that whatever He has set before you can be completed – all you need to do is submit to Him.