KNOW YOUR CALLING

Text: Luke 3:10-20

From the text we can deduce that one's primary calling is that point of basic responsibility for which one is known. It relates to what we do at any given time and in any given relationship with people. John knew his calling and the boundaries of his own ministry.  He didn't  allow the people to misunderstand  him for the Messiah. He quickly points out to them that a mightier one is coming behind him whose sandals throngs he is even unworthy to untie. He won't take the honour or glory that belongs to Jesus. Rather,  he pointed the people to him.  

Consequently,   John warned the people about the impending judgement. "The axe is already at the foot of the tree and evey tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire" (vs 9). Therefore, repentance must be evident in the way we live our daily lives (vs 11-14) At home in  relationships, in conversation and at work. In charity and love we must each play our roles without making life difficult for others. Compassion must mark our repentance. Sharing what we have with others (especially  those of the household of faith). 

  

Therefore, Beloved, you may have been answering born again for donkey years, Yet Jesus may not know who you are. He says not all who call me lord lord shall see my father in heaven.  "Make evey effort to enter through the narrow door " (Jesus warns in Luke 13) for many will try to enter and will not be able. They will stand and plead "sir open the door for us but he will answer " I do not know you or where you come from". Submit your passions, will and emotions to God today and let him change you. Christianity is not about picking up a particular mode of dressing, manner of speech or way of  walking. It is about rejecting the evil works of darkness and turning to Christ completely. When we do this he transforms us from inside out.

 Hence, let charity begin at home. Fathers and mothers must begin their repentance from their own very homes. Husband, show sincere love to your wife.  Wife, in humility submit to the authority of your own husband. This is the first fruit of your repentance. Then at work stop all wrong, fraudulent, shoddy and corrupt practices. In humility show compassion to the world around you. Do everything to the glory of God. This is what we must do first. Our relationship with God is not in the name or title we bear. It is rather in the importance we attach to his teachings and commands and how well we respond to them at all times.