Thankful for My Calling

by | Nov 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

When asked what they are thankful for, many Christians put salvation at the top of their list. Some say it sincerely while others just know that it is the “correct” thing to say since “I’m thankful for my new large screen TV” would be frowned upon in most Christian circles. Although I know what people mean by “salvation,” it can sound a bit selfish to merely say that one word. I’m sure I have done this myself, so I am not picking on anyone, but I am rethinking. For many, salvation simply means “fire insurance,” and although that is definitely something to be thankful for, I don’t know how many understand that, with salvation, comes a lot of responsibility.

In Genesis 17:1, God tells Abraham, “I am God Almighty; serve me faithfully and live a blameless life” (NLT). He goes on to tell His servant that He will bless his descendants forever because of his faithfulness.

Now, if you read the whole story of Abraham, you will find that he was not blameless in everything he did. He lied a couple of times due to fear when he told people that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife. (He later explained that this was partially true, but the fact is that she was also his wife, and he should have been honest.) He gave in to Sarah when she insisted that he sleep with her handmaid to help fulfill God’s promise. These were not Spirit-led decisions and yet there was a side of Abraham that was quick to do whatever God asked of him, even if it cost the life of his own son. That complete trust and obedience is no doubt why God blessed Abraham to the degree that He did.

When I think about the things that I am thankful for, instead of merely saying “salvation,” I would say that I am grateful for the calling that God has placed on my life. I still don’t think I grasp the full picture of how God desires to use me, but I know He does. And, if you are a true Believer, you have a calling too. This does not always mean being on a stage or ministering to thousands of people. It could be raising your children to know and love the Lord. Maybe He is leading you to start a small Bible study in your home. Possibly it’s having a cheerful attitude when you go to work each day. Or you might be called to be a prayer warrior and an encourager to those who are downtrodden. Everyone’s calling is different, but we all need to pray that we will be faithful and blameless until such time as He calls us Home. It’s true that He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, but it’s also true that we may have to live with the consequences of those sins, and our indiscretions may keep others from ever wanting a relationship with the God that we serve. We do not have the luxury of living any way that we want. We have been bought with a price, and we must now honor our Master and live as He desires us to live.

Second Peter 1:10 tells us to be diligent to make our call and election sure, for if we do these things we will never stumble (NKJV). From now through the end of the year, I would like to challenge each of us to do this. Do not passively assume that you are on your way to Heaven because you asked Jesus into your heart when you were nine years old. Take a good look at your life and examine whether or not your character lines up with God’s Word. We don’t know how much time we have to fulfill our calling on this earth so let’s make each moment count.

And the next time someone asks what you are thankful for, think about what salvation means to you and elaborate on the aspect that makes gratitude well up inside your heart.

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Sony Elise

Sony Elise

Sony has been an avid southern gospel fan since she first heard The Happy Goodman Family on a cassette in the mid-1980s. She is the co-founder of Family Renewal and the owner of Sony Elise Editing Services.

1 Comment

  1. Scotty Searan

    Sony:
    Thank you for the timely remarks.
    I will try not to be too long with my remarks.
    Sometimes you may think you’re talking to a cement wall and no one listens.
    I do read your articles and they mean so much to me.
    Many times it seems that you wrote them for me.
    Whenever I have taught that we should leave a blameless life (perfect life) KJV I meet with so much rebuttal.
    People say you shouldn’t preach or teach something that you can’t do or be.
    Well then everyone would fall short and could not teach these things that are necessary.
    I have failed God many times and I am not blameless or perfect.
    We are approaching the Christmas season.
    Back in Bethlehem before Jesus being born, John the Baptist was born. Luke 1:6 gives an interesting statement about Zacharias and Elizabeth, John’s parents. “And they were both righteous before God, walking in ALL the commandments and ordinances of the Lord BLAMELESS.”
    Apostle Paul said that no one was able to keep the LAW. Yet in Philippians 3:6 he states: “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the RIGHTEOUSNESS which is in the law, BLAMELESS.
    There have been other cases where people live a blameless life. People can with the help of the Holy Ghost live a blameless life.
    In closing I am thankful that God has given me a voice to sing and bless people and uplift myself.
    I don’t go for the new singing in our churches when it seems to about entertaining so much of the time.
    The older songs were written that the whole congregation can sing and worship God. I can remember when you could sing a whole song in about 3 to 4 minutes. Now they take 7 to 8 minutes to sing. If the Spirit is moving fine.
    I do love to study and I will give input in Sunday School or Wednesday night Bible Study.
    God bless you.

    Reply

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