Are You Living In Your Calling?
I had the pleasure this past week of addressing 18 young men, ages 16 to 18. They are part of our mentoring program, and I was asked to share some wisdom and insight, as a man who is over 60, with these young adults. It was an awesome honor to be able to share some my experiences and wisdom gained with these young men. Their questions ranged from “what would you tell your 18-year-old self?”, to “what are your keys to success?”. In 2 Timothy 1:3-14, Paul, has a similar task, to share encouragement and wisdom with a young man in the ministry by the name of Timothy. His words resonate far beyond his sharing of wisdom and instruction of Timothy, they serve as instruction for us, all regarding living our lives successfully in our Godly calling. I pray that you will “stir up” the gifts that God has given you and will use them for His glory!
I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:3–7. We have God’s power when we are doing his work and adhering to his word. we have God’s power. When we lovingly use our gifts to serve others, just as Jesus lovingly served his disciples. Fear keeps us from using the gifts that God has given us. He wants us to boldly use our gifts, not for our own personal glory, by for his glory. Paul encouraged Timothy to actively stand up and confront those things which he needed to in order to be effective. To be bold and not timid in living in his calling. What God hasn’t given us: fear. What God has given us: power, love, and a sound mind.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:8–12. We can not be timid about our relationship with the Lord, the one through whom we have salvation. God has called us and gifted us for His purpose. We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus, and we are called by God to use our gifts to bring God glory. Paul says that eternal life is brought to light through sharing the gospel with those In darkness. There is no reason to be ashamed or timid about sharing the good news through your gifts and calling because we know who it is we serve and the salvation we have received. In his case, Paul was gifted as a preacher, teacher and apostle and called to use these gifts among Gentiles (non Jews) to share the good news. There is no reason for shame or fear in using your gifts and spreading good news!
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 2 Timothy 1:13–14. Paul closed by telling Timothy to hold on to the gospel teaching which Paul committed (entrusted) to Timothy. Paul urged Timothy to keep God’s word with the same faith and love that Jesus showed throughout His ministry and with the help and power of the Holy Spirit. Hold tight and don’t let go of your faith, your gifts and your purpose!
There is a common theme for each of us who are followers of Christ… we were called to our faith and salvation by a gracious God. But God called us for a purpose beyond just our salvation. There is something that He has only gifted you to do for His kingdom. Paul was gifted to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. He in turn entrusted the gospel message to Timothy to continue that ministry. But he saw that Timothy was fearful and timid about using his gifts and boldly ministering to people. His encouragement to Timothy regarding Timothy’s own gifts and the surety of the gospel message were invaluable. Let me assure you that God has given you gifts too. And He wants you to use the gifts He has given to you so that you will bring Him glory. Stir up the gifts God has given you, so that they shine forth bright and bold…and don’t forget your purpose in your calling from God!
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
