God Calls, God Qualifies
The day before a trip is always hectic. I was glad that I had an appointment that was cancelled to have more time to get some things done. I was pleased to connect with my “Energy Action” partners and our founding director Rep. B.J. Nikkel. I shared my book and it was great to have conversation about God’s ability to heal.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We have this kind of confidence toward God through Christ. It is not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4,5 HCSB
It seems through the years those called to serve the Lord in vocational ministry were encouraged with the words, “those God calls, He qualifies.” Certainly skills need to be developed, and experience counts. However, if the confidence for effectiveness is in human charisma or abilities, effectiveness, if manifested, will be short lived.
Paul, in writing these words was aware of the divisiveness that the Corinthians had experienced. It was over gifted and influential leaders. But it seems that it went from giving automatic acceptance and credibility to asking for “proven credentials” or proof of “calling.”
We see this in Paul’s words, “Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone.” (2 Corinthians 3:1,2 HCSB)
It is not wrong to be “aware of those who minister among you” as Paul himself would caution. But Paul already had established a credible ministry impact in the city and there were many who served as his human “letters of approval.”
Beyond that Paul goes on to the point out that God’s endorsement, borne out through spiritual fruit and personal integrity is what really matters. Paul could have pointed to his “spiritual heritage and credentials.” (He actually does later in the letter. But just to prove a point.) Paul understood that without God’s approval, all his efforts were only going to produce what human abilities would be able to produce. What matters is what lasts. When a dynamic and influential leader is gone, does the work continue? Do people continue in faithfulness and service to the Lord?
Human competence leads to pride. Confidence in God’s empowering leads to humility and effective ministry. So, whether you are in “vocational” ministry or serving as a “volunteer” in a ministry role, confidence in the Lord using you is all important.
I’m thankful for the examples of King Saul, Gideon and others in the Old Testament. I am thankful for Jesus’ disciples and others in the New Testament. Because we can see in these “ordinary” people the Lord accomplishing the “extraordinary” just because they were obedient and responded to God’s call in faith.
We can observe many people who are like those in Corinth, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.“ (1 Corinthians 1:26 NIV) Why does God use the “unlikely”? “So that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:29 NIV) He does so in order for them to understand they can be “competent” in fulfilling God’s call to serve or just to live for Christ, but it is all because of the strength and ability the Lord gives.
Prayer for today… “Lord thank you for choosing unlikely people to be used by You. It shows how You reveal Yourself to those You use and to the world. Help me to remember that what You call me to, you will equip me to accomplish as I trust in you and commit to diligence in all things.”