Ephesians
4 :11-12 « And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. »
Ephesians 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. »
We need to understand that
although we are members of one body, each of us has a very specific
role/function/mission assigned to us to ensure the smooth running of God's
work. And according to each person's mission, God assigns gifts and talents to
be used in the service of others. For the ultimate purpose of every mission in
God's Work is to serve others. Accordingly, God makes a covenant with each of
us that defines the special relationship between Him and us. To understand the
uniqueness of this relationship and to strengthen it, we must know the
uniqueness of our identity in the body of Christ.
Exodus 31 : 2-5 « See,
I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of
Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in
understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise
cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of
stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of
workmanship. »
Understanding the
Uniqueness of Your Identity in Christ
1.
Know God's plan for our life
Ephesians 2 : 10 « For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. »
Jeremiah 29 : 11 « For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. »
Knowing our calling helps us avoid choosing a life path based solely on others' expectations or trends. Identifying our calling allows us to better understand the Holy Spirit's teachings, make informed choices, set clear life goals, and choose role models/mentors wisely. Knowing our purpose helps us express our requests clearly in our prayers and carry out our mission effectively.
If I am called to make a difference in people lives through the transmission of knowledge, teaching is a natural career choice. In my prayers, I could ask God to grant me patience and strengthen my ability to impart knowledge effectively. Additionally, my studies, readings, life discipline, lifestyle, and choice of mentors will align with my calling.
It is important
to note that pursuing our calling should be motivated by a sincere desire to
serve others and make a difference in their lives and thus be of service to the
Body of Christ. (Luke 3: 9 « And now also the axe is laid unto the root
of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn
down, and cast into the fire. »)
2. Knowing and doing God's will at all times
In Galatians 2:20, Paul reminds us that as Christians, we must renounce everything that defines us in order to live according to our identity in Christ (Romans 6:4). To manifest this identity, we must know and obey God's will.
Knowing and doing His will mean :
- Acknowledging and adhering to the limits and prohibitions that God imposes upon us. Even if a particular action is not explicitly considered a sin in the Bible, it may still be prohibited by God in one’s life if it has the potential to become a stumbling block in one's life and lead to failure. While some Christians do not view drinking alcohol as a sin (it is important to consider the potential consequences and exercise caution), if alcohol could become a weakness or stumbling block in my life, God may command me to avoid alcohol in all its forms to prevent blasphemy of His name and word in my life and to adopt the appropriate lifestyle for the entrusted mission.
- Knowing and respecting the discipline He imposes on us spiritually, socially, intellectually, and financially (1 Corinthians 7:7-8). Depending on their responsibilities in God's work, some Christians may be subject to a more rigorous discipline than others. Examples of individuals who had a very strict lifestyle include Samuel, who was raised in the tabernacle by the priest Eli; Moses, who lived in the desert of Midian; John the Baptist, who preached in the desert and subsisted on locusts and wild honey; and Paul, who chose to remain celibate due to his gift and mission in Christ. While marrying is not a sin, Paul's decision to remain celibate was consistent with his calling and lifestyle as he was imprisoned several times and traveled from city to city preaching the Gospel.
3. Living in perfect communion with the Holy Spirit
To achieve the two points above mentioned, perfect communion with the Holy Spirit is necessary. The Holy Spirit helps us receive and understand God's word and know His will (John 14:26). Only with the help of the Holy Spirit can we fully live out our identity in Christ and manifest the fruits of the Spirit. (Titus 3 : 5 « Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost »).
Understanding the uniqueness of our
identity means identifying our calling, qualities, gifts, and weaknesses; for
according to these, God will impose disciplines, prohibitions and a way of life
that will characterize the nature of our relationship with Him. All this will
help us to be excellent at what He has called us to do. For He knows us better
than we know ourselves and knows our true nature. (Jeremiah 17:10, 1 Samuel 16:7 and 1
Chronicles 28:9).
Each of us has a unique journey with
God!!!!