Born to Build - Part 4

Did you know that God created your purpose before He created you? God did not create you carelessly and then say, “Gee whiz, I wonder what I’m going to do with this one?” Not at all, He had an eternal purpose to fulfill and strategically designed you to accomplish it. In other words, you were saved to serve.

2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV), “He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

Notice that “saved us” and “called us” go together. You weren’t simply saved. You were also called to serve. Being saved is not just about getting a ticket out of Hell. It’s about helping others get a ticket into Heaven.

Greek word used for “called” is: KALEO = it describes God’s purpose for you; your assignment. The Latin word “vocare” also comes from this word and it is where we get our words vocation and career from. We are happiest in careers they we are best suited for.

But your calling is far more significant than your job. Your true vocation is your divine calling in life. You were called for God’s purpose. Think of it this way, Your career is how you make a living. Your calling is how you make a life.

And while your career may earn treasure in this life, your spiritual calling lays up treasure in the next life. That’s why your conversion is not the end of God’s work in you. It’s the beginning.

The word Kaleo is also the root word for the church – ecclesia. The “called out ones.” In other words, the church is called out of the world, and you have a calling within the church.

Galatians 1:15 (GNT), “But God in his grace chose me even before I was born and called me to serve him.”

Sometimes I’ll hear a person say, “I don’t go to church because I don’t get anything out of it.” My response is, “Is that why you are going to church? Maybe you should be going to church to give to others rather than to get from others and you might have a completely different experience.”

Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Albert Schweitzer from a generation ago said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

The immature Christian thinks, “What can God do for me?” The mature Christian thinks, “What can I do for God?” You were created with a purpose and a plan that fits your divine design because you were saved to serve!

(You can hear Pastor John’s devotions on The Bridge Radio 88.7 FM or by logging on the www.thebridge.fm or www.newhorizonfamily.com)