EYEBALL ON YOUR CALLING

Eyeball on your Call!

Reading : 1 Corinthians 12:4-18
"Brothers and sisters, let each one remain in that calling
in which he was called" (1 Cor 7:24)

The Christian life is comparable to running a race. There are rules and regulations to it (1 Cor 9:24). It is God who sets the track for each to run within. Although called to work in the same Vineyard, the area of responsibility may vary for each. Some are called to be "eyes" of the Body the Church, as prophets; some as "hands" in the ministry of helping; and still others as "legs" to do pioneering outreach work. Each ought to stay true to his calling (1 Cor 7:20,24). Remember Shiny Wilson who lost the Olympic medal for not keeping to the track.
Let's not be attracted to lucrative ministries. "Suppose the whole body were an eye—then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just one big ear, how could you smell anything?" (1 Cor 12:17). Let us run the race "set for us" (Heb 12:1)—with patience, firmness, fortitude and courage. Though initially some blessings might accrue to doing what the Lord has not specified for us, we would soon lose out on God's best for us. Stray not from the unique plan the Lord has for you.
The heart-tugging style of Brother Dinakaran emphasising the compassions of the merciful God is unique to him. Another servant of God might hit hard on our numbskulls as his unique style of calling to repentance before God, the Judge of all. The Bible teacher may quietly but firmly underscore his message of drawing attention to "what is written." The pensive philosopher rationalist may pinpoint to the harmony between Science and Scriptures. No one needs "copy" anyone in raising the hands or thumping the pulpit. It was the quiet and calm disciple who helped to start the miracle by bringing the boy with fish and bread to the Lord Jesus who blessed it to feed the five thousand.
God loves variety. Look at the majesty of His creation. What a wide range of wonders! Each creature so different from the other! "Are all Apostles?... Prophets?... miracle workers?" (1 Cor 12:29). The simple and sweet answer is "No!" Just be your own self but always in the Lord. You are unique in the plan of God. Do not come down!
It's God's will I would subject to;
It is God's voice, I would listen to;
The Lord who called me, pre-elect, does guide—
So through His paths, all good, to reach His side.
(Translation of a song of Sister Sarah Navaroj)
Extract from the book "Better Everyday" by R. Stanley.