When God Calls

Does God actually call people to specific duties anymore? The Bible gives us some very good examples of His calling. He called Noah to build the ark. He called Abraham to a new land and to be the father of a chosen citizenry. He called Moses to save the Israelites. He called Samuel to be His first prophet. He called David to be king over Israel. He called Jonah to go preach repentance to Nineveh. He called Mary to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus called His disciples to follow Him. And Jesus called Paul to Himself on the road to Damascus. These were all powerful callings! But that was then. What about now?

There are two who immediately come to mind. Billy Graham and Oral Roberts. God called Billy to go preach the gospel and he did. God called Oral to build Him a university and he did. Both men did well in their callings. My life was influenced in a very good way by both men. With joy and pleasure I can state that I am a graduate of the university that Oral built for God. These men stepped up to their challenges just as well as Moses and Samuel did. But both are gone now. Who is there to fill the void?

Today we seem to be dealing with a watered-down version of exactly what the call of God is. In fact the phrase “God called me” has become so common as to have lost all power behind it. It rolls off the tongue far too easily. Why is that?

It could be something in our nature that wishes for recognition. Maybe there is a need in each of us to feel useful to God. Some of us want to please God so much that we want a call more than anything. The question might arise, “If I’m not doing something for God then what good am I?” Today’s catch phrase for this is the word ministry. Everybody wants one. In our minds it actually makes us part of the team. God’s team! But sad to say, God doesn’t want a team, He wants a family. And that’s where the real calling lies.

Let me ask you. Isn’t the best thing in all the world to be called a son or daughter of God the Father Almighty? Remember the prodigal son story given us by Jesus. The prodigal said to himself, “I will return home and work (serve) for my father’s business.” Yet when the father saw him from a long way off, he ran to greet him, kissed him, he called the servants and said, “Bring out the best robe and put a ring on his finger. Get him some sandals for his feet. Let’s eat meat and celebrate!”

God’s really not looking for servants. He has plenty already in His angels. That’s who they are and what they do. Leaving us free to be sons and daughters of God. What He does want from us is for us to do what He requires to repair our broken relationship with Him. That is to put our faith and trust in His Son Jesus Christ. Then He places His Spirit in us and through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit we are able to be God’s children. Doesn’t that sound so much better?

Almost every church I visit people are rushing around doing their ministry or searching for one. There are very few who find the pleasure of just being God’s kid. If you are looking for God’s call then understand this; We are called to love Him. We are called to trust Him. We are called to holiness. We are called to worship. We are called to repentance. We are called to live the gospel and share the gospel. That means all believers are called regardless of any status they hold in their church.

I’m not advocating against serving God. But only a few are actually chosen. The rest of us should be content as parts of the Body of Christ. Not as a job or position of rank but in love holding each other as better than ourselves. Again, God does not need servants and certainly not bosses. It may be best to stop searching for something God does not need from you. Seek Him above all else and you will find your call!

Amen?