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As believers, we are called to do and be many things. In Phillippians 3:14, Paul referred to “the high calling of God,” indicating that being a true believer is something to which we aspire. It is a high ambition, with a lot of responsibility. A look through the New Testament reveals as many as 1,050 commands or instructions to the New Testament church.
Here are just a few examples:
How is it possible to fulfill that extensive and high calling in one key step? Jesus tells us in John 15:4-5 (ESV).
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus is our source. He expects patience from us, but He first shows patience toward us. He expects mercy, but he first showers us with mercy. He doesn’t ask us to do or be anything that He doesn’t first do for us. This does NOT mean we’re off the hook. The fact that Jesus has to tell his disciples to abide in him shows us it must be an active pursuit. We hear this theme echoed in Matthew 7:8 (NIV):
8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Receiving what God wants to give us is an active decision. We make that decision by pursuing Him through time in His word, time in His presence, and time spent with others who are also pursuing Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, I’ve been feeling your nudge to be more loving, to be bolder about what You’ve done in my life, to become better in a particular area…to cut out something that falls short of Your desires and ambitions for me. Be my Source in this specific situation, God. As I’m spending time in Your presence, right now, I ask that You would give me the strength and wisdom I need to be who You are calling me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jacci Pousson
Blog Writer for FPC, Lake Charles
