Called to Communicate

Whether you like it or not, God has called you communicate. The means, however, may well be somewhat different to standing up at a pulpit once a week, six feet above contradiction.

You could have a writing ministry, be a mime, work incredibly well in small groups or in leading committees. The Good Lord has given you a unique mix of gifts that no-one else shares. He has a unique plan for you.

This is why it is so important that you discover the full range of talents you have, and not try to become a clone of a preacher you admire.


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Making all things new

We have a hard act to follow. We have been called to emulate Christ. Not merely in terms of theological thinking, but also in attitude and action. Not an easy task - impossible in our own strength.

Fortunately we have not been left to do this on our own. The same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead lives within each of us to empower us to do His will. It is in His strength that we are able to achieve the impossible, love the unlovable.

For this reason, we are called to make our calling and election sure. For without a renewed spirit, we have no ability to bring this about - our 'faith' would merely be a frustrating exercise in futility.

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Called to be faithful

A thought-provoking snippet to ponder in the face of a triumphalism that idolised success. We may not all be called to be successful, but we are all called to be faithful to the vision God has called us to. Isaiah knew in advance that the message he brought would fall on deaf ears. Jesus new that He would be rejected and put to death. That di not stop them from carrying on in obedience to the will of the Father, because they saw something better.

God's measure of success is often very different to ours. As Jesus put it succinctly, what does it profit you if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul?

We are called to minister with integrity - whatever the cost.

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Do not neglect your intellect

It is not an either/or choice. You do not need to sacrifice your intellectual development on an imaginary altar in order to achieve spiritual maturity. Exceptional Christian leaders come from all walks of life, having a brain doesn't disqualify you. If God made you clever, you don't need to hide that talent under a bushel - neither do you wear it like a badge.

It is easy to neglect your studies in favour of 'ministry' - I know, I've been there. But it isn't good stewardship of one of the most precious resources that you have - time. Someone else can lead that meeting - let them get the blessing from that. Your ministry right now is to commnicate your Christlikeness to your peers and teachers.

Even when you put school and college behind you, keep up to date with developments in science and the arts so that you can hold an intelligent conversation with your neighbours. You never kno where it may lead...

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Forgive them - bitterness has no place at Bible College

He was a promising young Christian leader. He organised his fellow students well. He had a clear testimony of how Jesus had changed his life and was able to ommunicate his beliefs well. That's when the problems started.

He would not tolerate anyone having an alternative interpretation of any scripture. If it wasn't his, it wasn't right. I was called in to bring some correction to the situation. So, I did, with patience and as much wisdom as possible.

That was the end of the story. And that was the real problem. Over the years, I observed the slow strangulation of his spiritual life from afar. Later on, we picked up the pieces. The story is worth remembering, because it could affect any one of us.

It wasn't being in error or having pride that caused his downfall. It wasn't even a lack of a teachable spirit. It was his resentment, unforgiveness of people who had been right all along, when they had neither the intellectual gifts or depth of spiritual insight to match his - this bitterness, festering away killed off his enthusiasm to serve, to spend time with the Father, to care for what really mattered.

Later there was a time of restoration, reonciliation - a spiritual renewal for him - but that's another story. This one is here to warn you to not let it happen in the first place. Hebrews ch.12 v.15 was not an afterthought...

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Seek forgiveness now - preparation for Bible college

It's an overused expression, but it is worth repeating here. Keep short accounts with God. If you know you are out of fellowship with Him, then, as Jesus made it quite clear in the Sermon on the Mount, it is your responsibility to put it right - even if you are the injured party in a dispute. It is your priority to develop your relationship with the Father and not let anything distract you from that.

As a lifestyle choice, this attitude will put you in a good position to grow spiritually. As someone who seeks to confirm the call that the Almighty has placed on your life, it is an essential prerequisite.

You do not want to turn up to college with baggage that could and shoul have been dealt with long before you got there. So, seek Him out now, and make it your practice to continually seek His face when He is less near to you than before. Discover what attitudes or actions have affected your relationship with Him and put it right. Whatever the cost.

Remember, you ould expect no less from the people who will one day be uner your care - so start with yourself. Now!


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Missions: a pre-requisite for Bible College

An awareness of world mission is an essential dimension of Christian discipleship. Without it, we have little idea of the universality of the Gospel and its power to transcend cultural barriers.

One way to build up this awareness is through reading missionary literature - many groups produce regular prayer letters. The exploits of missionaries from previous generations can be read about in powerful books.

But it's the personal touch that counts. Gt to know the missionaries supported by your on church. Pray for them, support them, write to them. Spend time with them when they are on furlough.

If there is an opportunity to visit them on the field as a form of short term service, do so. It will be a rewarding experience.

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