God calls us to different places and positions. His greatest challenge to us is to be transformed and “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). One thing we know is we are conformed into His image when our bodies die and we are translated to heaven. What about here on earth, though? To what degree does God expect or challenge us to really identify with the crucified and risen LORD and be “like Christ?”
Peter spoke of the “divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). In Philippians 3:15 Paul spoke of growing in maturity and having “the mind of Christ.” Paul, James, Peter and Jude make reference of the word “bondservant.” Regardless of our calling, it behooves us to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
RELEVANCE
In every area of life we have goals. Wise people say we should set goals that are achievable. What goals should we set as we look forward to our upward call? That’s hard to say! I have experienced, however, that God trains and strengthens us by bringing us to where we choose:
– obedience over sacrifice
– spiritual strength over physical strength
– trusting faith over fear, doubt, anxiety
– His sufficiency over our sufficiency
– His values over our desires and values
– His will and identity over our own
– His cares, concerns, priorities and judgments over our own
– His truths over our assumptions
– His ability and capacity over ours
– His grace and mercy to fill our gaps
– Humility over pride
– His calling and purposes above our agendas
– His process when it doesn’t first make sense
– His timing and rhythm over our inclinations
– His ways over our tendencies and propensities
– His way and life beyond our natural one
REFLECT AND RELATE
This is just some food for thought and prayer. The bottom line is seeking Him and His kingdom first.
REFERENCES
Matthew 5:1-12; 6:9-15; John 17:1-26