I would say that one of the questions that people ask me most these days is this, “How can I know what my calling is? Or what am I supposed to be doing as a Christian?” I believe these questions come from two places: one is a sincere desire to begin doing what you and I were made for; the other is out of lack of understanding when it comes to the gospels. Many people are looking for a Damascus experience or for God to come knocking on their door with a telegram outlining exactly what they should do for the rest of theirs days. That would seem easy, but it lacks the necessity of the believer to have faith in a faithful and sovereign God. One thing is for sure, you and I were made for a purpose and those who believe have been called out of the darkness, but what follows as a Christian is not complicated. We are going to be looking at the a story from the gospel of John this morning that explains what it is we need to do to fulfill our God given call. People make it so complicated and mystical when Jesus really made it simple for us as believers. (read John 21;13-23)
There are 3 stages to embracing your God given calling.
1. The Inward Conflict
I am sure that many of you have heard this story of Peter before. Jesus repeatedly asks Peter if he loves him which seems strange for someone who gave up everything to follow Jesus. Why would Jesus ask? I believe one of the things Christ was trying to show Peter is that you cannot do the will of God if you do not love Jesus. Peter would play a pivotal role in the early church, but Jesus knew that out of love flows true obedience and so he asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Yes Peter had walked on water and yes he had followed Jesus all around the country side, but when Jesus left would Peter remain faithful? Did he really love Jesus enough to willingly obey all that would be asked of him?
This is an inward conflict that we have to face all the time when it comes to choosing between what we want to do and what God tells us to do. It is so easy to follow what we want and do what is easy. I know I should talk more about Jesus, but it’s too hard and I don’t want to look stupid. Or maybe you struggle with maintaining the Christian image and so you are always too defeated to be a good example. We have been called to make the most of every opportunity in Eph. 5:16 and Col. 4:5.
This line of thinking is interesting because when it comes to loving someone of the opposite sex these inhibitions are thrown out the window. No one has to tell you to make the most of every opportunity because you willingly do it. You would do anything even though it means looking stupid half the time just because you love the other person and you want to make sure they know it. You would do anything for love.
This is the same strength of love we need to have for the Lord in order to really be obedient to do whatever it takes to please Him. You have got to look past what it means for you and do things because of what it will mean for Him. This is the conflict that we deal with daily and Jesus was making Peter aware of it through this questioning.
2. The Tendency to Compare
Often times when people sincerely want to begin to obey the Lord and really do what he has called us all to do we are tempted to compare. This is very dangerous because nowhere in the bible does it call on you to be like me or vice versa. You were never called to fulfill my purpose and I wasn’t called to fulfill yours and so we cannot compare ourselves to each other. People wonder why not as much is expected from Jimmy or why Patty seems to get more recognition then I do.
Peter asks Jesus about another disciple, “What will be expected of him Lord?” It’s like Peter was trying to direct the focus on someone else, but Christ was talking to him, calling him. Jesus responds by saying, “It doesn’t matter what that other person will do or how long they will be around for or what giftings they have; what is that to you?” If you get caught up on others and what they are doing or not doing then you are in fact wasting the time you have been given to serve the Lord. You will never be responsible for what they do so don’t worry about it. You don’t have to be them, because the body is diverse and has many parts.
3. The Pursuit of the Call
Once you have moved through those 2 stages then you are free now to pursue the call of God for your life. Now some of you might be sitting there thinking, “Alright, now he’s going to tell me what my call is.” Well I am. After deciding that you love Jesus more than yourself and realizing that you are responsible for your own calling and being faithful to it only now can you embrace and really chase after this calling.
The Golden Rule (Matt. 22:37-40)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
Some of you might say, “Oh, I know that stuff, but what am I supposed to be doing? Am I going to be a prophet, worship leader or a pastor or something?” Please hear me this morning church, we have all been specifically called to fulfill this ministry in our lives. Now some of us have an added specific calling into pasturing or missions or things of that nature, but it is on top of this first and important call that Jesus gives. How ever you can fulfill these things in your life then do them with all of your heart. It could be getting a cold drink for someone, giving someone a ride home, greeting a new person, cleaning the floors or encouraging someone who is sick. Whatever it is that you can do, do it. We have all been called and we will all be accountable to how well we did these two things.
Conclusion
This ministry thing is tough, but not complicated. We need to get ready to follow and chase this call of God on our lives so that we can be the church that God has called us to be. A church that is ready to obey and please the Father, a place where there is no competition or comparison and a place full of people who are fulfilled because they are busy doing whatever God asks of them.
• You follow without reservation
• You are accountable for your calling and yours alone
