The High Calling

As you continue to press on towards the high calling of Christ, don’t forget your great value to the work of the Kingdom. I’m afraid too often Christians float through life content without really understanding the wonderful life they’ve been given. They fail to recognize the glorious gift of reconciliation—that they have been made right with God. They fail to fully appreciate the wonder of their adoption—that God has actually made them a part of His family. And they fail to recognize their high calling in Christ, a call to holiness. When Jesus called His disciples “salt” and “light” He was speaking of the profound effect they have upon the world around them. Is your life really making a difference? 

Is your life a blessing to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Is your life a testimony to them in such a way that they are encouraged. When Paul suffered in prison it encouraged others who were suffering — “that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear" (Phil. 1:14). As your brothers and sisters in Christ observe your life, is it an encouragement or discouragement? Are they seeing your progress in holiness? Do they see your example as one to emulate—consistent in attendance and service at church; faithful in love, graciousness and patience? Do they see you as a person of high character and integrity, or do you compromise your principles easily. Are they encouraged as they see you face trials with patience and faith? 

What do the lost see as they observe your life? Too often, by the time some professing Christians finish making concessions and allowances there isn’t much left that would identify them as a follower of Christ. How wonderful it is when the world looks upon us and sees absolute commitment to Christ. How wonderful it is when they witness people who are loving, kind, gracious, and merciful. These are characteristics not often seen in this world. The person who possesses them will stand out. Such people will have a great effect upon those who do not profess Christ. Peter gives us great encouragement—“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior” (1Pet. 3:1-2). Peter is saying that our Godly lives can have a great effect upon unbelievers. May God help us to live such lives.