Called to something more
It’s the greatest feeling in the world when we make a team, get selected as captain or hit any milestone worth celebrating. We revel in knowing we’re seen and chosen.
As we’ve been invited to live in every way like Christ, it gets personal when we realize we’re called by God for intimate relationships. He invites us to join Him in the work He’s doing to bring His Kingdom to earth. We’re called to love like Him, lead with courage and make disciples to duplicate the great news of salvation through Jesus.
What does it mean to be called by God? What is He inviting us into? Besides knowing Him deeper, there are certain places and people He wants us to be around so we can be His hands and feet and speak of His great love. God desires us to dig into our roles in this world and unfold our gifts and talents in a few specific ways to put His grace on display.
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“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time — to show us his grace through Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:9).
God has given us many commandments that align with His character and heart, the greatest being to love Him with everything we have. In our thoughts, words and actions, we showcase the heart of God as we love the people around us just as God loves us. From the overflow of our ongoing relationship with Jesus, we see through a different lens the teammate we struggle getting along with, the parent who constantly questions us and the coach who can’t seem to be satisfied. We encourage and build others up so they experience a life in Christ — a life they’ve never known was available.
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
If we want to know how to lead with integrity, humility, compassion, and strength, look to Jesus. His example attracted people from every background, way of life, and struggle. His kindness shaped how they were seen, and His truth gave them freedom to live out their purpose and tell those around them about the transforming grace of God. To lead, we first listen to Jesus and then we share what we hear. Our teammates, families, and classmates are all in need of Jesus, and our knowledge of Him is a beam of light for them as they navigate a confusing world.
“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72).
Jesus gave us the command at the end of Matthew to go out in the world and share His Kingdom message with everyone we meet. He also said not only to share but to disciple, to spend time together getting into His Word and teaching what it means to be His follower. Jesus loves when we become His disciples and invest our time, energy, and influence into others as they grow in their own faith. We are part of God’s plan to fill the world with His purpose, and discipling a younger teammate or newer coach creates a multiplication of impact that furthers His Gospel into the world.
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age’” (Matthew 28:18-20).
God’s goodness compels us to love, lead and disciple for the sake of His Kingdom. He’s put specific people around us that He has entrusted to us. Let’s accept His invitation and embrace His call to bring His salvation to everyone. You are called. Now go and tell.
Sarah Freymuth is the Communications Manager for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and writes content for blogs, articles, Bible reading plans and devotionals that share God's heart with coaches and athletes. She played softball for Concordia University Wisconsin, is in their Hall of Fame, and has led FCA Huddles since high school.
