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- In 1 Timothy 3:6, Paul exhorts Timothy to avoid seeking spiritual leadership prematurely; this is the first step toward spiritual maturity. Spiritual development is necessary for leading God’s people. Worldly success needs to be overlaid with a biblical worldview. Too much responsibility too early breeds pride and conceit, a “look what I am doing for God” attitude rather than humbly confessing that God is working through me for His glory.
- Second, we must be successful in the little things, the details of life, before we can handle the great opportunities God brings along. The apostle Paul knew that information and opportunity that have not been tested by experience can set us up for failure—failure by becoming puffed up with pride because of what we are doing for God, and failure because our character has not been developed so we can handle success and/or adversity in a gracious, persevering, and Christ-honoring fashion.
- A third step toward spiritual maturity is faith. Can the depth of your faith withstand the breadth of the uncertainty and ambiguity that lies ahead as you launch a new ministry—or begin a new initiative within your ministry— for Christ?
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Hebrews 11:8 is the verse God used in 1980 to validate His call on my life to vocational ministry. While others had been telling me how they saw evidences of “God’s call,” I was uncertain what that meant. I needed to understand God better, and I needed to understand what it meant to be called. This process of understanding resulted in discovery and affirmation much like my conversion to Christ and my commitment to Rita as my life-long marriage partner.
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God’s call is real and revolutionary, but it is not always clear. Others may understand your call before you do, which is why godly counsel from friends and wise mentors is critical, and hopefully they will walk with you through this discovery process.
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So what constitutes a call to launch a new ministry for Christ or take a ministry in a new direction? While we could talk about numerous subjects, let’s focus the next few blogs on spiritual maturity, giftedness, passion, relational wholeness, financial health, timing, and need.
- God’s call allows you to live in the “sweet spot” of your life. It is your unique experience, gifting, and character that propels you to carry out God’s calling. His call aligns with His Word and with godly counsel interwoven with faith.
- Abraham obeyed God’s call by faith and left Haran--a significant move for this family man and businessman. He followed God, living with the uncertainty of being in a foreign country, unsure of where he would settle. Although he and his family lived in tents, his standard of living was high for his day, and he was blessed with material possessions. So what compelled Abraham to follow God’s calling? I think it was his eternal perspective. God made a promise to him of a life changing legacy, and Abraham trusted that moving to a new land was part of God’s plan for him.
- Are you living as a called person or as a driven person? What area of obedience is God asking you to take a step of faith? Your obedience to His calling has significant and eternal consequences!
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