“This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News."
Here in Romans Ch 1, the Apostle Paul opens this incredible book stating clearly who he IS, what he is called to BE, then finally, what he has been sent to DO. His identity, his calling, his commission were not in question.
In almost 30 years of pastoral ministry, without question one of the biggest problems I have seen God's people face is a lack of clarity in their personal lives. There is deep confusion about their identity as well as their calling, as well as what they are supposed to be doing in the current season.
For Paul his identity was very simple. Above and beyond anything else, before being an apostle, he was a "slave"of Christ Jesus. Other translations say a bond servant. The bottom line is he was going to do God's will every breath that he was on this planet as best he could, whatever that meant. He was likewise clear about his calling. God had designed him to be an apostle. He was a career missionary who in between trips had a side business of of making tents. At this particular point in his life, he had been commissioned by the Antioch Church to bring the good news of the gospel to Turkey and the regions beyond.
Many years ago after my first season of being an associate pastor at another church had ended, the Lord made it very clear to me that my identity had nothing to do with any title or job. My identity was as his son, to do his will every moment of every day, whether I was at Hellmart… I mean Walmart :-)… Or preaching in church. Like Paul my identity was as a servant of God wherever I found myself in life. The Father likewise made it clear that my calling was to be a shepherd to God's people and to feed his flock the Word of God. I was sent out, commissioned, in 1996 to do this and founded Harvest Church Pensacola. In this season I am awaiting a new commission but my calling and identity are secure.
Here is my question to you: are you clear in who you are, your identity? Are you clear on your calling? What commission has God currently given you in this season of your life?
As I said previously, my experience is that the majority of Christians live in confusion, what I call "The Gray Lands." They haven't become secure in their identity as a son or daughter of God, thereby they don't know they're calling nor are they aware of God's current commission. Your calling may be in this season to be a mom to young babies, commissioned to stay at home most of the time. But your identity is as a daughter of the King and that never changes.
One lady I talked to a few months ago felt her calling was to be a teacher. Being that she had young children she felt her commission for the season was to stay at home and teach them through homeschooling but later, when they were older, she planned return to the public School system, which she felt commissioned to as her mission field long-term. She had great peace in her life as she was very clear on her identity, calling and current commission.
What about you dear one? I'd be interested to hear what you feel your identity, calling and current commission is as well as possibly long-term. Again, when you get clear in these matters you will find great peace.
Love and grace,
Pastor Bobby