1 Timothy 1:12-14 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.”
This passage in someway is a synopsis of the life of Paul. We all have in someways ‘messed’ up, sinned in the past; there are things in our past that we are ashamed of, just as was the case with Paul. However, Paul found that the grace of the Lord Jesus was more than abundant. That is super important, but that is not the main point of this blog. In spite of Paul’s past, God put Paul into service. As believers, you and I have also been called into service. Many no doubt remember, or have hear about, getting a letter form ‘Uncle Sam’ advising us that we had been drafted, or called into active duty. In no uncertain terms, we had to make preparations to report for service at a particular location on a particular day and time! The old hymn, Onward, Christians Soldiers, captures this idea of being in service; “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.” Those who know God as Savior are called to action; the Christian faith is not theory-it’s real, it’s boots on the ground, and it’s active. We may serve in a particular ministry, but our calling into service is a way of life. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord…” Colossians 3:23a. Contrary to what some believe, in the scriptures you find no basis for the idea of clergy and laity; all believers or called into ministry. Some are called to certain positions in the church, such as pastor, while others are called to be ministers at the work place-or wherever; some are called to care for the sick, help someone in need, and etc. The point is that we are not to be spiritually idle but are to embrace and respond to the calling of God for us. God will strengthen and equip us for the work He has for us.
Ephesians 6:7 “With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men .”
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.
Blessings, Buddy