I believe we are in an urgent time in history—a time where we need unity among believers like never before to impact the Kingdom for Christ. This is the first of a three part series on this topic. I want to make 3 main points directed to us as leaders as found in Ephesians 4:1-6.
Ephesians was written by Paul to both the Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus. The first three chapters in this book focus on our depraved life before Christ and the last 3 chapters proclaim the changed life we live after we receive Christ. This changed life makes it possible to do what Paul directs believers to do in our focus verses—be unified (even as Jews and Gentiles) through and for the sake of Christ.
The first point I want us to look at is found in verse one: “Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received…”
Look at the last phrase in that verse. Another way to say it is, “Walk worthy of your calling.”
It appears Paul is making the point that each one of us has a calling. It’s your calling—not hers. It’s not that one that looks better or has a bigger platform, but yours. As leaders, it’s easy for us to look at someone else’s assignment from God and want it more than we want our own!
I also think Paul might be indicating here that no matter what season of life we are in, every Christian woman has a call of God on her life. I also believe we want to be used by Him. So today, ask yourself: What has God called me to?
We are all to know Him and make Him known to others. We are to live out the Great Commandment (Mark 12:28-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). But how are we to live that out these commandments according to our own call?
If you aren’t sure, ask yourself these questions:
Where does He have me today, right now?
What doors has He opened?
What relationships are in my life (neighbors, family, co-workers, friends)?
Whether single, married, with kids, with no kids, working outside home part-time, full-time, full-time homemaker…God has called you to this place and time. Do you see it as “His call” for you?
Dr. Jeff Iorg defines “call” as a profound impression from God that establishes parameters for your life and can be altered only by a subsequent, superseding impression from God.
So, now ask these questions:
What am I doing daily to walk worthy of my call?
Stop waiting for that next, bigger call and live daily in the current calling He has given you. Someone once said: ”Why would you ask God to make you a lighthouse somewhere else if you can’t be a candle where you are?”
What light is God asking me to spill out on those around me?
Maybe you know your call, and it’s scary! You aren’t sure you want to follow it! But He says to walk out your call. If God had shined a light ahead for me early on—prior to speaking in public, leading a conference, or serving in a denominational role—I think I would have run the opposite direction. I am SO grateful He only shined it far enough for me to take the next step of obedience, one step at a time.
Just do what He has called you to do today and watch for open doors and direction. He will either affirm where He has you, or He will show you new doors and opportunities He is making available to you.
How do you know when you are walking out your call? You will experience peace, the encouragement of others, effectiveness in serving, and joy even when the call or your current circumstances seem impossible. You will stick with it even when it’s hard!
Chris Tiegreen said, “God has not placed us where we are simply for the output we can produce, whether at a factory, at a desk, at school, or at home with children. He has put us there because that is a context in which He wants to display Himself.”
Ask God to show you how to live out your call today, right where you are!
Watch for part 2 of this series coming next week!
Chris Adams is senior lead women’s ministry specialist at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, Tenn. Learn more about Chris here.
