THE CALLING # 8

Paul, an apostle, concludes his thoughts on gifts and callings: “For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. They who measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another are not wise. But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the boundaries, which God has appointed us, which reach even you.” (2 Corinthians 10: 12-13) Paul now mentions one other measurement: “They who measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another are not wise. But we will not boast beyond measure.” We are supposed to stay out of other people’s gifts and territory by comparison and mind our own.

I see two main functions for callings and gifting: One is to be a part and completion of the Body of Christ or the Fellowship of Believers through our gifts and callings: “Until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) This is the real measure.

Next, our functions with gifts and callings are to those who not followers of Jesus and not part of the Body of Christ. We are sent with our gifts and callings to: “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” It is by being, living and doing the Gospel.

We just do what we are called and gifted to do within our measure and if the Lord chooses to expand or decrease that gifting or measure, it’s his purposes.

“Yeah, but I think I’m called to Christian ministry…” You are, and so is every one else who is a believer.

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Jesus