…ye also the called of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:6)

Paul wrote this to the Roman believers and it emphasizes an important part of the Christian’s role.  Every believer in Jesus Christ is called by Him.  The Greek word translated “called” basically means “invited”, but within the context is better understood as “divinely appointed”.

Every Christian has a divine call of God upon his/her life.  They have a purpose and are an integral part of God’s plan. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27)  God’s calling is irreversible. (Romans 11:29)  Each Christian is to perform his/her function within the body of Christ for life.  Every follower of Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary for the function of the church.

Believers can take heart that regardless of talent, personality, education, economic status, and other factors, God will use every Christian.  In fact, God typically uses ordinary people to do great things.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

Are you poor?  God can still use you.  Are you rich?  God can still use you.  Outgoing or shy?  God can still use you.  Eloquent or inarticulate?  God can still use you.  Educated or unlearned?  God can still use you.  God glories in using us as we are, as He sees fit.  This is not to say that we shouldn’t try to improve our weaknesses, but understand that He will use us as we are today.

We are all the called of Christ.  We must all take our calling seriously and do our part in the body of Christ for the glory of God.