The notion of individuals devoting themselves entirely to God’s service has gained attention. Some claim to have abandoned their previous occupations to serve God unremittingly. However, the reality is not as straightforward. Even those dedicated to full-time ministry must seek financial support to sustain themselves. They often resort to minimal employment to further their theological studies.
Consequently, individuals who have supposedly committed their lives entirely to God find themselves preoccupied with stabilizing their livelihoods, leaving scant time for actual service. Furthermore, they are beset by family issues, opposition, and internal doubt regarding their decision. It is a common misconception to equate an individual’s capabilities and status as prerequisites for serving God, overlooking the fact that God can utilise anyone or anything to manifest His glory.
Jesus And His Disciples
The twelve disciples were ordinary men from various walks of life. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and others were activists. Jesus carefully selected His disciples from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that no segment of society is excluded from serving God. Despite their constant failings and struggles, God was able to use these disciples, who remained faithful to Jesus, in a remarkable way. God did this mainly to reveal the true nature of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the teachers of the law, who relied solely on their knowledge and grappled with the task of upholding the Mosaic laws rather than God’s grace.
Despite the teachings of Jesus, many continue to cling to theological studies and doctrines, missing out on spiritual experiences that would better prepare them for serving the Lord comprehensively. Paul himself recognized the limitations of his scholarly knowledge when compared to the grace of God.
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. – Philippians 3:7-9 (NIV)
The transformation in Paul’s life was primarily due to the transcendent power of God. His commitment to the teachings of the law made him worthy of God’s grace, transforming him into an apostle of the Gospel. Our mistake lies in being lukewarm in our approach, wavering between following the law and embracing grace with only half-hearted dedication. If we wholeheartedly pursue either path, God will strengthen us in our weakness, empowering us to serve Him.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. – Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)
A Call To All The Believers
In certain areas, there exists a misconception surrounding the calling of God, often drawing upon the example of Aaron. Consequently, many individuals await a specific divine calling, inadvertently overlooking the fact that God has already chosen them as His servants. This leads to the unfortunate rejection of their true calling, often at the hands of those who present themselves as the only true servants called by God.
And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. – Hebrews 5:4 (NIV)
People often wrongly attribute such verses to a specific Bible character, failing to apply them to themselves. Similarly, when Jesus told Peter that he would build his Church upon Peter, the rock, people tend to attribute this blessing exclusively to Peter and keep their distance. Conversely, when certain verses portray blessings upon the people of God, believers quickly adopt those promises regardless of their context and the underlying truth within them.
Initially, God did not call Aaron, but Moses. When Moses hesitated to accept the call, God told Moses, “Let Aaron be your mouthpiece.” While we may regard only a few as the chosen servants of God, the offer is open to all, regardless of whether they have been called directly or indirectly. Therefore, while we may consider only a few as His chosen servants, we should not deprive ourselves of the right to do His will.
Similarly, the blessing bestowed upon Peter is the same for all the people to whom God has given wisdom and understanding to accept Jesus as the Son of God. God revealed Jesus as His Son, and we have become eligible to build the church on us, keeping Jesus as the foundation. Peter with his own personal experience reiterates this truth in his letter. When we experience spiritual blessings we can’t restrict it to ourselves and surely we will share our blessing with our fellow believers.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Choosing The Right Platform
After grasping the call, many faithful individuals rely on a chosen servant of God and their ministry to honour Him. Numerous missionary movements beckon young people to dedicate their lives to serving God within the framework of the organization’s principles. This platform often constrains individuals from freely carrying out God’s will, as they require the organization’s approval to fulfil God’s plan, causing their ministries to stagnate. Some struggle to reform the organizational principles to no avail. If everyone is chosen and called by God to serve Him in a unique way, wherever they are, why do people feel compelled to serve God through established churches or organisations?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction. -2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Fundamentally, the purpose of God’s Word is for correction. If the organization to which we belong does not allow the Word to be used for correction, then we are not fulfilling God’s intended purpose. Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word consistently, regardless of the opportunities provided by spiritual leaders. Furthermore, Paul advises Timothy to exercise patience in administering correction and to choose words carefully when instructing others with love.
Many people misinterpret Paul’s advice about preaching the word “in season and out of season” as an indication that they must share the word whether they are welcomed or not. This misunderstanding often leads to conflicts, as some believers insist on their right to preach even within uncooperative organizations. When encountering rejection, Jesus instructed His disciples to “shake off the dust from their feet” and move on, signifying the importance of leaving behind those who refuse to accept correction through His word.
In light of these circumstances, questions may arise regarding where to share His Word. Once again, Paul underscores our worthiness in God’s sight by likening us to His temple—a place where God resides and where activities are conducted to honour His presence. People gather to worship His name in this sacred space.
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? – 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)
Similarly, since we are considered the temple of God, there are various activities within us that honor the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. What does this mean? Instead of seeking platforms everywhere, we can use our hearts—the place where He resides—to honor God by applying the Word to ourselves first, primarily for correction. Even Jesus demonstrated this while He was on earth in human form.
For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
– John 17:19 (NIV)
Sanctifying ourselves through daily immersion in His Word will result in our renewal (2 Corinthians 5:17). This will enable us to rely solely on His guidance in our service, leading others to seek us out for direction on connecting with their Father. Our actions should not be confined by the limitations of any church or organisation; instead, we should exercise our freedom in Christ to attract numerous souls to our Father. Instead of going to the unreached souls, if we exercise the given freedom in a responsible manner, souls will come to us to glorify our Father’s name (Matthew 5:16).
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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