by Ester yusufu | 19 July 2018 08:46 pm07
God does not call every person the same way. His calling is based on His eternal purposes and divine will (Ephesians 1:11). Some are called to ministry offices, others to serve within society, but all are called to holiness and fruitful living in Christ.
“…walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…”
— Ephesians 4:1
Paul addresses different categories of believers: those who were called while still under obligation (like slaves or employees) and those who were free. Neither status disqualifies you from God’s work, but it does shape how you serve.
“Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:20
“For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:22
This demonstrates Christian liberty—freedom in Christ regardless of social position. Every believer is spiritually free to serve Christ (Galatians 5:1), but ministry function depends on one’s availability and calling.
If God called you while you are still in a secular role—whether as a teacher, doctor, engineer, or farmer—you can still glorify Him by working with integrity, generosity, and service. Your life becomes a witness.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…”
— Colossians 3:23
You are part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), offering spiritual sacrifices even in daily work. While you may not stand behind a pulpit, you still reflect Christ in the world.
Those called into the fivefold offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are called to equip the saints and lead the church.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…”
— Ephesians 4:11
This calling demands full surrender. These roles are not hobbies or side-jobs. They require spiritual focus, self-denial, and separation from worldly priorities.
“Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:14
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life…”
— 2 Timothy 2:4
This reflects the doctrine of vocation and consecration. Ministry is a sacred trust (1 Corinthians 4:1), not to be mixed with worldly entanglements (James 4:4). It demands spiritual discipline and total reliance on God’s provision.
Jesus laid a clear boundary:
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other… You cannot serve God and mammon.”
— Matthew 6:24
If you’re called to full-time ministry, split loyalty is spiritual compromise. You must renounce divided service.
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:23
God may call some to marriage and others to celibacy, depending on their spiritual assignment. Neither path is superior; each is a divine gift.
“But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:7
“There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake…”
— Matthew 19:12
Singleness in ministry can offer undivided focus (1 Corinthians 7:32–34), but married life is equally honorable when managed in righteousness (Hebrews 13:4). The key is obedience to your assigned path.
In the Old Testament, Nazirites like Samson and Samuel were separated unto God for special service (Numbers 6:1–8). Today, God still calls some to radical consecration—set apart for His exclusive use.
“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths… I will give them an everlasting name…”
— Isaiah 56:4–5
This represents a life of sacrificial holiness, aimed at eternal reward—not earthly gain.
For those who do marry and enter leadership, Scripture is clear:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate… one who rules his own house well…”
— 1 Timothy 3:2–4
A leader’s credibility begins at home. The ability to govern one’s family reflects spiritual maturity.
“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…”
— Joshua 24:15
You cannot be:
God demands undivided devotion.
“Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him…’”
— 1 Kings 18:21
Let go of worldly ambition. Embrace your true spiritual identity.
Whether God has called you to ministry, the marketplace, marriage, or celibacy—walk in it with faithfulness. God rewards those who serve Him sincerely (Hebrews 11:6).
If you are called to full-time ministry: Let go of all distractions. Trust God to provide. Serve Him completely.
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.”
— 1 Corinthians 7:23
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.”
— Matthew 25:21
Amen.
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