pOST sCRIPTS from ps
There are so many things we can learn from LOGOS for the health of the whole church. As the Nominating Committee began meeting on Monday it occurred to me that the LOGOS vision of “Call” is something we at times miss. So I want you prayerfully to consider your Calling in the ministry of Covenant.
Many of us know what it is like to be recruited to do a job. Very often, persons involved in this process are put in positions for which they have little or no aptitude or interest. The persons being recruited often accept the position, not because they really want to do it, but because they:
Feel pressured because no one seems available or willing.
Feel guilty because they haven't helped out before.
Feel a loyalty to the person doing the recruiting and don't want to let him/her down.
Feel obligated to take their turn.
Consider the following:
All persons are created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
They are endowed with the gifts and talents needed to accomplish the purposes for which they were created. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
When they commit themselves to become disciples of Jesus, they are committed to the service of Jesus Christ, and to obeying his teachings. (I John 3:23-24)
Those calls are discovered through prayer as we wait upon God's Holy Spirit to lead us. When we follow this leading, God will work for good. (Romans 8:28)
The power to serve Christ, and all spiritual leadership and service, are consistent with the disciple's obedience. (I John 3:23-24)
Thus, a "calling" is not by any means limited to the clergy, or other religious vocations, but should be the normal expectation of every Christian.
Every Christian is a part of the Body of Christ. Every part of the Body is important to the whole. Every member of the Body is called into ministry according to the gifts that God has given to each person. (Romans 12:4-8)
There are many examples of God calling people to use their gifts in ministry. The biblical list of those called is virtually endless, and includes the whole range of persons who responded and accepted their responsibility and privilege to "serve the Lord with gladness."
Whether in LOGOS or in the larger church, where are you being called to serve in the coming year?
Grace, Hope, and Peace,
Pat
