INTRODUCTION
In our days, we only put in their best at work or do things right only when; 1) there is the possibility of being fired or 2) other competitors may put us out of work. Meanwhile, we are told, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord... It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23 (NIV).
Whatever you are doing as work and it is Biblically accepted, know that it is God's call on your life. Being a trader, soldier, nurse, lawyer, driver, porter, messenger, secretary, accountant, politician, musician, actor, house-help, etc. it is the call of God on you.
Obedience to God's Call
VALUE YOUR DIVINE INVITE
"He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business." Matthew 22:3,5 (NIV)
Putting less value on God's call or making it an option to others is disobedience. With our insatiable desire for power, fame, money and connections many people have neglected the true direction of God upon their lives taking to their own canal path which leads to misery and death.
The question is are you actually at where God called you to be?
Paul exhorts, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
REMAIN FOCUSED TO THE CALL
"Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold ... and bring them to me.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” Exodus 32:2-4 (NIV)
Aaron listened and did the request of the people against God's call. Leaders must remain focused being careful to hear from God before implementing the people's manifesto/requests. God's plans must be the guiding principle not the chants of the populace. Some people start so well and drift off because they begin to listen to other calls different from God's call. Remain focused
IT IS A GRACIOUS CALL
From the streets, we were found and called. "So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’" Matthew 22:9 (NIV).
With all pleasure, it is by grace God has called us. It is the Holy Spirit that leads the humble and obedient heart to identify and work according to God's call.
Obedience to God's call.
WEAR YOUR WEDDING CLOTH
Yes! "many are called but few are chosen." Your ability to obey the call to the letter cannot be overlooked. God's call comes with requirements. You must dress to suit it.
"“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless." Matthew 22:11-12 (NIV)
Obedience to God's call is not just the response, but your preparedness to the call also. Precious one in the Lord, are you clothed with;
1. Integrity?
Many people have been graciously offered work in various offices and positions but lack the cloth of integrity. We have adorned ourselves with corruption. Ghana is spending huge sums of many on fighting corruption at the expense of the provision of basic necessities of life. How prepared and committed has the government shown to eradicate this canker? It has always remained a lip service. Beloved God's call, clothed with a strong moral principle is highly required of you.
2. Honesty?
At the peak of COVID-19 in Ghana, prices of goods shot up more than 300% in some cases. For instance, a box of surgical mask which was sold in the market at GHs 15.00 was going for GHs 300.00-GHs 500.00. Face shield came at GHs 100.00-GHs 200.00 and with the ease of things, it's now at GHs 10.00-GHs 5.00. These and more indicate the dishonest we become with the slightest opportunity at our disposal.
If you are in any way cheating, abusing office, diverting justice and the likes because you have an opportunity, STOP IT! Obey God's call now.
Note: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord... It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)"
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
CONCLUSION
“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ Matthew 22:13 (NIV)
Never take God's call for granted. A charge to keep you have, a God to glorify. If you joke with your call, you will die a second death.
God's call on your life is where you find yourself today. Serve as though you are serving God and your reward shall be the crown of glory. But remember, "Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism." Colossians 3:25 (NIV)
Amen!
Shalom Aleichem...
