“Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus  before time began.” – 2 Timothy 1:9

It’s common to hear Christians say that so and so ‘has a calling upon his/her life.’

I have heard a few people say it to me as well, but I don’t understand what they mean.

You have also probably heard some people say that they were “not called into ministry.”

However, our meditation today says God “has called us with a holy calling.” Please mark the plural pronoun ‘us.’ 

Of course there are people who were specifically sent out for a particular mission; however, all of us have been called to glorify God with our lives and respective gifts and to make a difference in the world.

Every Christian is called to be an influence, says leadership guru John Maxwell.

If you are a follower of Christ, then you should recognize that you are called to influence other people, Maxwell adds, regardless of whether you are a CEO or a stay-at-home mother.

It doesn’t matter what your profession or vocation is – soldier, teacher, health worker, administrator, development worker, engineer, shop keeper, computer programmer or farmer; you were called to serve by making a difference in your circles of influence.

In the original languages, ‘calling’ denotes invitation by name to be with the Lord Jesus.

One by one, Christ has invited us to be with Him, learn from Him and then work with Him to change our world and make His love known.

That’s exactly what He did with His early disciples (see Mark 3:13-15).

Certainly, you don’t have to be a preacher or pastor to do that; being a pastor would probably even make it harder.

Calling is also an invitation to partake of the blessings of redemption and the benefits of salvation.

“When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day [that is, glorified through the changed lives of those who have accepted Him as Savior and have been set apart for His purpose], and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed and trusted [and confirmed in your lives]. With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His] power fulfill every desire for goodness, and complete [your] every work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you [by what you do], and you in Him, according to the [precious] grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Thessalonians 1:10 -12 (Amplified Bible)

 Take for instance the calling of Abraham, from his country, extended family and father’s house to move out to a land He would show him (see Genesis 12:1-4). 

Being called it as an invitation to be different, to be set apart from the world and to raise a new generation for the kingdom of God.

There are a few things that I would want you to note about the calling.

Apart from being a “holy calling” as our reference verse says, it is also a ‘high calling” (Philippians 3:14).

That means it is a very valuable calling. 

Finally, it is a “heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1).

It is divine; not secular or of the world and that is why a lot of people might not understand or why your  lifestyle might not make sense to the people of this world.

That means that the calling is for anyone and everyone; it’s up to you and me to allow Christ to be glorified and admired in us and for us to be glorified in Him wherever and everywhere we go.

You were called!

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for the invitation to be with You and to live a life that glorifies You. Help me to serve the interests of Your Kingdom in all I do, all the days of my life, Amen!