consider your calling
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours (v.2)
Because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge (v. 4-5)
You are not lacking in any gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ who will sustain you to the end (v. 7-8)
United in the same mind and the same judgement (v. 10)
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power (v. 17)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (v. 18)
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (v. 20-25)
For consider your calling (v. 26)
God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (v. 27-31)
excerpts from 1 Corinthians 1
Our great, powerful, and all-knowing God has known us since before the world was formed. He knew our every thought and desire, and had His plan eloquently designed from the beginning. Our upbringings have a mysterious way of shaping our path and molding us into who God has planned for us to be. The gifts, talents, and interests that were given to us can often have a special role in furthering His kingdom. Our bizarre hobbies and interests bring us each to unique communities, which creates a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Christ.
I used to think that my hobbies were odd. I often would hide the fact that I enjoy certain games or certain shows. However, the past couple years of my life, the Lord has shown me the importance of maintaining my individuality and being bold in my identity: the identity that is rooted in Jesus.
Everyone has different interests and various appreciations for things that might be out of the ordinary. A lot of the time, the things I enjoyed were not mutually appreciated by a lot of other believers. Sometimes I would find myself hiding my interests. Other times I would be hiding my faith. We serve an omnipotent God who dwells in the midst of everything and everyone. Why did I think that God wouldn’t be sitting with me when I played video games? Why couldn’t I imagine my God being glorified through the Dungeon and Dragons campaign I was playing?
The reality is that He has never left our sides. He is with us in the happiest of moments, the purest of activities; and He’s with us just as much when we’re deeply depressed or doing things that may disappoint Him. He isn’t just the God of put-together households and successful careers. He is the God of everything. Sure, there are plenty of things in life that pull us away from Him; but our God has stood patiently waiting for us with His arms open wide. He has never pulled away. He’s just as much present when I’m binge-watching my favorite show as He is when I’m deep in thought during a Bible study. He will never leave.
He sent His son, Jesus, to bridge the gap between the perfect God and broken people. He holds near to the brokenhearted, and will seek us out even when we feel like we may be too far gone. And that’s the thing that makes a relationship with Christ so special! He desires a relationship with us as we are right now. He doesn’t just want us when we’ve already figured our problems out. Resolutions will come with time. God wants us to be near to Him exactly as we are now. Our hearts and minds will continuously grow, and overtime we will become more mature and rooted in our faith. He’s eagerly waiting for us to let Him into everything we do.
My outlook on myself and on my interests needs to adapt to the truth that is within His Word. Paul clearly writes in 1 Corinthians chapter one that we are to consider our calling. We are the chosen ones who are called to live a life for God. That includes every area of our lives. And yes, that also includes my obscure interests that happen to be shared with a large community of non-believers.
But what a special opportunity that is!
Instead of being in a space that is (wonderfully) saturated with Christ, I find myself in a space that is more barren. I get the wonderful chance to pour into people who may have not come in contact with someone who truly knows Jesus. Instead of them facing a person full of pride or hatred, they will be face-to-face with someone who knows to solely boast in the Lord alone. I can use my outlet as a chance to preach the gospel through my actions and using my not-so-eloquent speech. I’m honored that He has trusted me with loving people that share my interests. Even if they don’t share my beliefs in God, they will certainly be assured that they are valued and loved.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for leading me to find things that I am passionate about. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know people that share my interests. You have placed me in such a wonderful community. Lord – I ask that you please give me the words to speak life into those around me. Guide my steps and show me how I can make the people around me feel loved, cherished, and appreciated for who they are. Help me be a good friend; and help me show others the kind of love Christ shows us. I thank you for always providing for me. I’m eager to see how you move in the hearts around me.
Thank you, God.
amen.
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