Calling

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called… Ephesians 4:1

Dear Friends in Christ,

I was privileged, this past Saturday, to be present when my son, Alex, was ordained to the priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. My father and I are priests in the Episcopal Church, and I have several cousins among the clergy as well. I am so delighted to see Alex take this step in service to the Lord.

But, of course, I have been delighted in him in all the steps he’s taken to walk more closely with God. In his case, he was called to ordained ministry, and in faith, he answered that calling, that vocation. Most others are called to lay ministry, and that is a godly calling too. Lay people are called “to represent Christ and his church, to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” (Book of Common Prayer, page 855).

How are you answering God’s calls to you? Has God called you to some particular ministry? It could be official or unofficial, in the church or in the world. Parts of our calling can be as friends or husbands or wives or parents. God may call us to serve him as teachers or nurses or accountants or politicians (or even welding salesmen :) ). Are you listening for God’s calls? Where do you feel that nudge, that persistent curiosity? Who is helping you to discern God’s calls to you? Who is helping you answer God’s calls?

Sometimes we are called to dramatic decisions in our lives. Always, we are called to embody the love of Jesus in our daily lives, in carrying on his work of reconciliation. What steps are you taking to walk more closely with the Lord? Know that as you do, our Lord delights in you!

Yours in Christ,

-Tom