OUR CALL TO ACTION
““Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.””
I love my faith…I really do. I know for some, it’s just something they grew up with, and so it is something they continue to “believe”. Like many people, I was raised in the faith. I went to a small K-8 church school, and then continued on to the local Lutheran high school. I had regular theology classes, memory work, and bible studies. My family went to church every Sunday, and all of my friends were Lutheran, too. My faith has simply always been a part of my life. At times, I have taken my upbringing and Christian education for granted. However, as I have gotten older, I have had the opportunity to work at a number of churches with youth and adults at different points on their faith journey. I have come to truly appreciate my relationship with God that has developed and grown since I was a small child.
““Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.””
Even though I have never had one of those AHA moments of faith, a born-again epiphany, or a prodigal son stray and return…I am daily reminded of the wonder of God, the splendor of His creation, and the abundance of His grace in my life. As God is active in my life, offering His love, forgiveness, and acceptance, I feel called to live an active faith: demonstrating God’s love, revealing His forgiveness, and creating an environment where others feel welcomed and accepted.
““Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.””
God sent His only Son into the world for a purpose. Christ came a lived among us, teaching us how to live, performing miracles, lifting up the outcasts, and humbling the righteous. The disciples laid down their nets to become fishers of men. The apostles went out and built the early church, writing letters from prison and testifying to the one true God, no matter the cost.
We are called to more than weekly attendance at our church; sitting quietly in the pews and doing little more than listening to the message. We are called to an active faith. We are call to stand firm in the Lord, clothe ourselves with the Spirit, put on the full armor of God, and go out and make disciples.
““I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.””
God is love; therefore we are called to show compassion. God is merciful; therefore we are called to forgive. God is just; therefore we are called to seek justice. God is our creator; therefore we are called to be imitators of Him.
Everyone has different spiritual gifts and God-given talents. The Spirit works through us in unique ways to the glory of God.
What is your calling?
What does is mean to lead a life worthy of Your calling?