Men Need A Christ-Directed Mission
“For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.” Galatians 1:13-17
Reflect on The Word
Galatians is said to be the first letter Paul wrote to a church, which was a group of churches in the case of Galatians. In it, he gives us some insight into who he was, who he is, and what he was called to do. These few sentences in Galatians 1:13-17 give us a significant view into Paul's life leading up to and after Jesus got him going in the right direction. Isn't that most of our stories? Before Jesus I was doing A, Jesus got a hold of me, now I'm doing B for Jesus. Or, before Jesus I was doing A, then Jesus got me doing A for His glory and not my own.
Paul had a defined mission for his life - he would serve the Lord, living a life of righteousness and zealousness. He thought he knew how he would serve God, but then God jumped in his way and changed that. As Paul says, he was an incredible student of the Lord. He graduated with top honors, got a great job, and was making things happen. He was making things happen so much that the CEO of everything set up an impromptu meeting with him. It did not go as Paul would have thought in his mind it should have. In an instant, Paul's life was pointed in a different direction and everything he had achieved was gone. But Paul was given a mission, a Christ-directed mission.
What's this got to do with you and me? Did you know all believers are called to ministry? Every one of God's people has a mission He has given. Matthew 28:19-20 tells us this, giving all of us at least one Christ-directed mission. This doesn't mean you quit your job today, enroll in seminary for a few years, and lead a church. It does mean to know God's Word (Psalm 119:11), live what you know the best you can as you rely on the Spirit to guide you (Romans 12:1), and follow Jesus closely where He directs (Luke 9:23).
Counsel: How can I be helped by the Word?
Know where you are: You may be exactly where Jesus wants you. You may be in the right place but doing the wrong thing. You may be preparing where you are for the next thing He has for you. Ask God where you are and where you should be and let Him respond to you (Matthew 7:7-11; James 1:5).
Discipleship: How can I grow from the Word?
Dig-in as you wait: I was once told a call to ministry (vocational) is a call to prepare. Since we are all called to ministry (general), shouldn't all of us prepare? This doesn't mean reading 500 page books and writing essays, but reading and sitting in God's Word regularly. If you need motivation, get you a “Paul” to disciple you, pushing you in your spiritual walk. Get you a group of men to encourage you and help you live a life that honors Jesus.
Encouragement: How can the word motivate me?
A Christ-directed life isn't one of earning or achieving, but given and lived. If you are a believer of one month, one year, or many years, God is working within you and will do so till you stand in His glory (Philippians 1:6). You haven't missed His calling, like getting to the airport late for a flight that has left without you. Take a hold of the calling He has given to all of us and pray for Him to reveal specifically what His mission is for you. Surround yourself with Godly men who will help you discern what you are reading, what you're thinking, and how God is speaking to you.
Prayer
Lord, I know I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You have set me on this Earth to do something to bring You glory. Will you help me identify what that is? Is it something I'm currently doing? Is it something new? I want to serve You with the talents and gifts You have given me. Help me, Lord, to serve you in my speaking, my thinking, and my actions so You get all the glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.