The Powerful Force of the Call to Serve

 Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso 

“Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”  1 Corinthians 9:16.

In these past few weeks, several of my closes personal friends have passed away needlessly.  These were useful and capable men and women who were strong and able soldiers for the Lord.   As I reflect upon the preventable series of events that transpired, I was tempted with the reality of my ministry and His calling for me.   I’d like to share some of these thoughts in this blog.

Beware of questioning, refusing or to hear the call of God.   Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact of his salvation.  That, however, is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration, which can be used in preaching.

In our titled verse 1 Corinthians 9:16.   Paul was referring to the pains induced in him by the force of the call to preach the gospel.   Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God for salvation.   This is a free gift of God, and not the same as the call to serve.

There is nothing easier than being saved, because it is solely God’s work, “Look to Me, and be saved …” Isaiah 45:22. Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation.  We are saved to salvation through the Cross of Christ.   But discipleship has an option with it—“If anyone …” Luke 14:26

Paul’s words in (1 Corinthians 9:16) have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit…”John 15:16

God makes us as broken bread, or an empty vessel and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear and understand the call of God”. Romans 1:1.

Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced.  Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of your life, and every personal goal however personal, is completely blotted out.  Only one thing remains—“… separated to the gospel …”   That focus is not to say we should lack affection in our lives, but be ye warned again because woe be to the soul who heads in a different direction once that call has come to him or her. 

 “For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Hebrews 10:26

“For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1Peter 4:17

But God has called a man and women here with a force who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel, despite emotional events that beseech around thee.  

His call is for us to “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19  

And despite the challenges we face, we must  “But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.”  2Peter 3:18

The full understanding of His plan of salvation is to understand the love He has, for the family of God.

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa’i