Called By God

Here's something interesting that I read this morning in Martin Luther's book By Faith Alone. Thought I'd share it with you guys... :D

Called By God

From Paul - an apostle chosen not by any group or individual but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who brought him back to life - and all the believers who are with me.

- Galatians 1:1-2 -

Religious leaders face a very foolish yet strong temptation. Some claim they must teach because they have the talent from the Lord and feel compelled to teach because of the command of the gospel. Confused by foolish conscience, they think that if they don't teach they're burying the gold of their Lord and will be condemned for it. The devil does this to make them neglect the responsibilities to which they are called
My dear friend, with one word Christ frees you from this notion. Look at the parable in Matthew, "He called his servants and entrusted some money to them" (Matthew 25:14). It says, "He called them." But who has called you? Wait for God to call you. In the meantime, don't be concerned about it. Even if you were wiser than Solomon and Daniel, unless you are called to spread the Word, avoid that calling even more than hell. If God needs you, he will call you. If he doesn't call you, you won't burst from the wisdom inside of you. In fact, it isn't even true wisdom. It only appears that way to you. And it's very foolish for you to imagine that you could produce fruit. The only one who produces fruit by the Word is one who is called to teach without wishing for it. For Jesus Christ is our leader (Matthew 23:10). He alone teaches and produces fruit through his servants, whom he calls. But whoever teaches without being called endangers both himself and his hearers, for Christ is not with him. 

I suppose this can be taken in many ways. It struck me this morning, though, because I've been struggling with what I want to do with my future. My dad has offered me a part-time job as his secretary (which is something I've always wanted to do), but I also have my CNA license, which means that I could get a very good job in the medical field. I've been struggling because my spiritual gift is organization (according to Bill Gothard's Advanced Seminar...) and I keep thinking that it's a waste if I don't use it. But so far, I'm not sure if I've been called by God to use it. I feel sort of stuck in the middle of two decisions...

And, when I read this, it also brings up the question of marriage. I think most females feel as if they have been called by God to marry someday. And, as everyone tells me, if you have the desire to get married, you probably will get married. It's a comforting thought, but it's also hard sometimes to wait when you just want to get on with your life, meet the man of your dreams and have a family.
What I'm reminded of here is that I have to be so careful to wait for God's calling on the matter of marriage, because waiting for the right man to come along is so very important. Since I'm trusting in God to bring him along at the right time, I have to curb the mindset of going out and finding a husband and the temptation to attract young men. God has already chosen one for me, so going out and looking is only a dangerous pursuit. Until I am called by God to marry, I should devote my single years to him and, as Martin Luther said, not allow the devil to tempt me into neglecting my responsibilities to God because I'm caught up in the idea of marriage and everything that goes with it.

'Till next time!