A Vocation Calling Us

From: B S TURNER Owner
bturner12@centurylink.net


A Vocation Calling Us

As I read the letter that Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church I many times wonder if he wasn’t writing to us directly in this day.

If you would take the time to read Chapter 4 starting with the first 3 verses we see many similarities of today.

Eph 4:1-3
4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;
4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,

Does that describe us today? Are we walking worthy of our vocation as Christians? Or are we walking in our version of what that means. Verse 2 is the stumbling block for many…lowliness and meekness – we need to be even more careful that we do not fall into the trap of “look at me” even during a time that we are being compelled to be humble.

When we see the situation where we are today. Do we really feel blessed? Or do we still complain? Do we have the thought “if we only (insert here the only) then we / I would be (insert the goal)

Can we see Christ in the midst of our afflictions? Or do we see ourselves in the midst of our afflictions? Do we see others that are around us? And when we reach out to help are we helping them or are we helping ourselves…I think that you understand what I am saying here.

Are we answering the call of our vocation as it is applied to the body of Christ? I have a fear and that is:
Matthew 7:32 And many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name; and in thy name cast out devils; and in thy name done many wonderful works?

I pray that we are not so convinced of our direction that we are moving forward with our eyes closed….in verses 4-6 Paul understood….one body, one spirit, one Lord, one God that is in us….and as Christ gave his life for us so that…….

Eph 4:12-16
4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;
4:13 Till we, in the unity of the faith, all come to the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;
4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Having a knowledge of the Son of God is different than knowing the Son of God. I know many people but having a knowledge of a person goes deeper into who they are and what they are. We need to have that knowledge so that we are not tossed about by this person or group or trend but we are on that sure foundation heavy on the word SURE.
The only way to have that sure foundation is to have a knowledge of the scriptures…and to be able to grow in that understanding by edifying each other and

4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;

So that we can……
4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love

I share this verse from Alma with you as a way of edifying the body of Christ……
Alma 3
83 And I say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come; yea, the Son, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth.
84 And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins of the world; yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name.
85 And now I say unto you, that this is the order after which I am called; yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren; yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land;
86 Yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you, the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again;

God Bless
Brian Turner