How God Calls You to Significance
Do you feel like your life lacks meaning or purpose? Do you wonder if God has a plan for you? The truth is, God has called each of us to a mission of profound significance. Jesus taught his disciples that they had a mission to go out and tell the world.
God Calls You to Significance
When Jesus sent out his twelve disciples, he gave them a seemingly impossible task: to spread the message of the Kingdom of God throughout Israel. As we read in Matthew 10:1, "Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness."
This wasn't just a mission for the original disciples. It's a calling for all of us today. As 19th-century Scottish pastor William Arnott said, "To every true Christian, these two things may be said: You have need of Christ and Christ has need of you. The simple fact that a Christian is on earth and not in heaven is proof that there is something for him here to do."
Put Your Trust in the Lord
When Jesus sent out His disciples, he instructed them to travel light and trust in God's provision. In Matthew 10:9-10, He said, "Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep."
This wasn't just about minimalist packing. It was a lesson in faith. Jesus was teaching his followers to rely on God and the generosity of others, rather than their own resources. This principle still applies to us today as we seek to share God's love with the world.
Prepare for Opposition
Jesus didn't sugarcoat the challenges his disciples would face. He warned them in Matthew 10:16-18, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues."
While we may not face the same level of persecution today, sharing our faith can still be met with resistance or ridicule. But remember, as Jesus said in Mark 8:35, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it."
The Holy Spirit Will Empower You
Despite the challenges, we're not alone in our mission. Jesus promised his disciples in Matthew 10:19-20, "At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
This promise still holds true for us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share God's love effectively, guiding our words and actions.
Sharing Your Faith
Understand your audience: People are at different stages in their spiritual journey. Some may be highly resistant to the Gospel, while others are receptive. Tailor your approach accordingly.
Build credibility (ethos): People are more likely to listen if they trust and respect you.
Show empathy (pathos): Demonstrate genuine care for others before sharing your faith.
Choose your words carefully (logos): The content of your message matters, but it's most effective when built on a foundation of credibility and empathy.
Pray for open doors: As Revelation 3:8 reminds us, God can open doors that no one can shut. Keep praying and watching for opportunities to share your faith.
Remember, you're part of a world-changing movement. As Professor Rodney Stark noted, Christianity represents "the single greatest movement for social change that the world has ever seen." Your role in sharing God's love is significant.
So, as the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, "Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you" (1 Timothy 6:12). You've been called to significance. Now go and share the good news!
Reflection:
How does knowing that God has called you to significance change your perspective on your daily life?
In what ways can you trust God more fully as you share his message with others?
How can you prepare yourself to face potential opposition when sharing the gospel?
How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your efforts to communicate God's love?
Application:
Take a moment to consider the people in your life who may be at different stages of receptivity to the gospel (from highly resistant to highly receptive). Choose one person and prayerfully consider how you can help them move one step closer to God this week. This may involve building credibility (ethos), showing empathy (pathos), or sharing truth (logos) in a way that meets them where they are.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to significance in your kingdom. Help me to trust in you as I share your message of hope and salvation with others. Give me courage to face opposition and empower me with your Holy Spirit to communicate your love effectively. Open doors for me to share the gospel and guide me in helping others move closer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
