Posts: Called

Called

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, into which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15) In the New Testament, peace is the opposite of confusion and is contrasted with darkness and the shadow of death. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. This peace should be found in a congregation, a place where you feel safe and can relax, lower your defenses, and discard your stress: a pretty nice place compared to the craziness of life on this earth. Equally importantly, peace is found in thankfulness.

“…God, from the beginning, chose you into salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, into which also He called you by our gospel into the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 – 14) We are called by the message, not a feeling. God chooses people into His eternal family based on their trust in Him. The Spirit reserves us for godly purposes. Those who trust are obtaining a set of character traits such as Jesus displayed on earth. This has been the plan for all since the beginning. That’s good news.

“…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…” (2 Peter 1:3) We are called by the character and virtue of Jesus, not by a feeling. When we respond to that call, we are granted all we need for life and godliness. Divine power patches the damage we have done to our characters so that we can successfully navigate life on earth and be prepared for its continuation.

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of of His Son.” (1 Corinthians 1:9) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. Here, the faithful are summoned to a connection between spirits, fellowship, a merger of character. In this context, the faithful develop a gracious nature, the inclination to talk about the part of us that lives forever, and an understanding of how life fits together. God promised it. We need to position ourselves to receive it.

“We exhorted, comforted, and charged you into a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. Here, the faithful are summoned into a kingdom (not a democracy) and into the parade of God’s character traits. Paul and company had strongly built up and encouraged the faithful in a comforting way so that they felt up to the task, prepared and equipped to meet their seemingly impossible challenge.

“God did not call us upon uncleanness but in holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. God has not called us because we were embroiled in sin, but because we were intended for purity. The difference is important. God’s focus is on reclaiming what we were designed to be, not on how we have taken wrong turns. In addition, as in the next verse, He has given to the faithful His Holy Spirit to assist in and manage the recovery operation.

“As He who called you is holy, you also be holy…” (1 Peter 1:15) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. Those who respond to the call should, logically, expect to fit into this new family. Many have failed to see the logic and continue to make choices inconsistent with purity. Due to a lifetime accumulation of bad habits, overcoming ourselves generally is beyond our grasp. So, God has mercy (a compelling desire to fix the root of the problem) and provides the Spirit for character repair (Romans 8:13).

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. The darkness from which we are called is generally likened to confusion or inconsistency or loneliness. In the light are found peace and understanding and hope and connectedness. The faithful announce the character of the One who enticed us to successful life.

“For into this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. Injustice is to be borne with patience because the faithful understand that God will handle it at the appropriate time and in the proper way. The faithful just continue doing what is good and right, regardless of consequences. When people will listen, speak up. When they will not, don’t rail against the wind.

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathetic; with brotherly love, be tenderhearted, friendly; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you are called into this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9 – 10) The faithful are called not to a task but to certain relationships and characteristics. The church should be famous for its deep connections and positive support. We are not a collection of individuals but a close-knit family in which we unload stress and find peace.

“The God of all grace, the One having called you into His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will properly adjust, support, strengthen, and ground you.” (1 Peter 5:10) Jesus’ glory is a parade of His character traits. The faithful are called into that parade, displaying the same traits as His as they handle the stresses of living in this broken world. With that call is a promise of character adjustment and propping up, being built up on a solid foundation.