Our Calling
by Bob Gaudi
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” –1 Peter 4:10
For me, the most difficult part of writing a devotional is deciding what to write about. The Holy Spirit always shows me where I am to go, but sometimes it just takes longer to realize where He is leading me (which may be part of His plan all along). This time around, I did not have a topic just come to mind—as occasionally happens—where the whole devotional flows out. Instead, I had to work through a few ideas; and then I was struck by what was right in front of me. Our Senior Connections Bible study group is working through a book by the late Dr. Charles F. Stanley entitled, “Developing A Servant’s Heart.” What a fitting topic to pursue as we celebrate the coming of the greatest servant ever: Jesus Christ.
Examining the title of this devotional leads to the questions: Why are we here? What is our calling? The short answer is to give glory to God. How we do that requires a longer answer, but basically it involves serving God through our love for and obedience to Him. While we are not called to sacrifice our lives as Jesus did, we are clearly called to serve.
In Romans 8:29-30, Paul points out that we are “…predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” Just as Jesus served the Father and all of mankind, we too are called to serve God and others. Peter says we are to “live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16b). Fundamental to serving God is serving others. Jesus provides an example of His expectations of humble service to others in John 13, when He washes His disciples’ feet, saying, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Humble service to others can occur in an uncountable number of ways. The opportunities are limited only by our ability to see them and our willingness to act on them.
God has high hopes for calling us as servants. In His infinite foresight, He also equips us to provide that service. Paul says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Peter says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
As the Gospel of Matthew clearly points out, Jesus came to serve rather than be served, and He gave His life “as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). There is NO greater service. Jesus set the example…He literally gave His life for us. Fortunately for us, we are not asked to suffer crucifixion literally, but we are asked to give our lives to God in service to Him and others.
So, friends, you are called and equipped. Answer the calling and serve God by serving others. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:1, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1). Put others before yourself and serve! “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10b).
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me as one of Your own to serve You and others. Empower and enable me to recognize the opportunities You put before me. Give me the courage and strength to act where and when I can. Use me as Your willing and capable vessel in service to You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.