Issue 1967 – The Calling
Every human being has a purpose. Above and beyond that, every Christian believer has a divine calling from God. We are literally on a mission from God. There are specific callings to certain ministries, but every believer has a calling on their life.
In Ephesians, Paul speaks of our calling. Ephesians 1:3-12 is a blessing that traces salvation from God’s eternal plan to its realization in Christ.
In the balance of chapter one, Paul prays that we will understand the depth of our calling. In chapter two, Paul speaks of our calling into one nation, Jews and Gentiles alike, saved by grace and faith in what Christ has done.
In chapter three he asks that believers be strengthened inwardly, rooted in love, and able to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ’s love that surpass knowledge. The section closes with a doxology, affirming that God’s power is able to accomplish far more than human expectation.
It is God’s power that enables us to deal with the practicalities of the calling.
Starting in verse 4, Paul reminds us how to live out our calling as children of God, called to serve Him and bring Him glory.
In a short list, reminiscent of the Fruit of the Spirit, Paul reminds us of how we are to live. It’s Spirit-powered and impossible under our flesh to do.
It’s a more powerful list than any checklist of dos and don’ts. It cuts right to the heart of the matter, our changed nature. Walking in a way worthy of our calling causes us to evaluate every situation through the lens of Jesus and live appropriately.
It runs counter culturally to everything the world declares. It’s radical, upside-down thinking. It stands out in a crowd, pointing people to the God who changes us.
None of us has yet reached the point of living this way every moment, but it is a process that’s being worked in us. God promises to finish it.
Are you living a life worthy of your great calling from God?
Be blessed
Kevin
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All contents, “Gleanings From the Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2026 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, “Gleanings From the Word.”
Scripture quotations are from the Legacy Standard Bible® (LSB®), Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc.
Key Takeaways
- Every Christian has a divine calling from God, as outlined in Ephesians.
- Paul emphasizes understanding our calling and living it out in unity and love.
- The calling requires humility, gentleness, and patience while reflecting Christ’s love.
- Living worthy of our calling is a transformative process that God will complete.
- Evaluate your life: Are you living in a manner consistent with your calling?