Discovering and Developing Our Identity in Christ

1 Corinthians 9:16

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Not everyone is called in the same manner that Paul was called.  It is certain, in fact, that most of us were not called to stand in the pulpit to preach the gospel.  It is just as certain, however, that every one of us has been called to live the gospel and to serve our Master in the manner in which He has called us.

There will be no peace in our hearts if we take a different direction than the one the Lord set aside for us.  Just as Paul was compelled to preach, we are compelled to proclaim the gospel through our obedient response to Our Lord's calling on our lives.  To neglect the calling of God on our lives shows contempt for the divine will of the Father and opens us up to the torment of a wounded conscience.

If we are gifted with a beautiful singing voice, we should be using it for God's glory.  If we are gifted with organizational skills, we should be using them to help with the administration of the church.  If we have been given teaching skills, we should be leading bible studies.  The list goes on and on.  There are no skills that cannot be used by God for the advance of His kingdom.  We should search for guidance from the Holy Spirit to find out the skill or skills that God has planned uniquely for each of us.  If we neglect the calling that God has placed on our lives, we may not face His wrath, but we are likely to lose the gifts that He has blessed us with. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us unique skills so that we can be vital parts of the Body of Christ.   We pray that You will help us discover and develop our identity in Christ.  May Your Holy Spirit guide us and train us in our calling.  May we find peace of mind and great satisfaction in our service to Your Kingdom.  We ask these things in the name of the Head over all things, Jesus Christ.