Do you know what God has called you to do?
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 11 For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. 12 Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not! 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 for now no one can say they were baptized in my name. 16 (Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas, but I don’t remember baptizing anyone else.) 17 For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
Here we see Paul’s words “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News …”
Paul knows what he has been called for and what he has been called to do. He has been called to preach the gospel. Paul’s supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed his life and what he lived for. This encounter made him become a fearless and powerful evangelist, church planter and mentor.
All of his education, training and apprenticeship prepared him and allowed him to preach Christ wherever he went. He understood himself and his calling.
In this passage He is calling all Christians, no matter the “denomination”, “be of one mind, united in thought and purpose”.
As people of a Christian Church worldwide – we all have one job: to make disciples. Each of us does this differently: evangelists – share the gospel and bring people to Jesus, teachers – guardians of the truth who teach the Bible and equip people, prophets – hear from God and give direction, pastors – shepherd the people and grow disciples, and apostles – are sent out to do new works.
Lord Jesus, help us to understand what we have been called to do and do it with all our heart. Lord we long to see people come to know you and follow you with all they are. Use us Jesus to make you know. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Ps. Sue Botta