These past few days we’ve been confronted with our own responsibility in respect of our faith in God. Paul shows us a template of a true child of God and we have to see whether or not we fit into that template.

²⁵When I became a servant in this church, I experienced this suffering as a sheer gift, God’s way of helping me serve you, laying out the whole truth. Looking back on your life, would this verse bear testimony to your life? Do you use every last bit of energy for the Kingdom of God?

I suspect most of us wouldn’t fit this template. We are so busy with our lives out there in the world that we simply do not have the time or energy to make every effort to make a real difference in the Kingdom of God.

But on the other hand, we can’t all now just leave everything, run to the fridge and start making soup for the soup kitchen. Not all of us are called to work full-time for God like Paul. Yes, some of us are called to bring God’s Word to the multitudes the whole day long. It’s wonderful, but also an enormous responsibility.

The majority is called to ordinary jobs. But we must realise that God has put each of us in a specific place to make a difference in his Kingdom. In the office, on the farm, in the factory – God has appointed us to be his representative everywhere.

The question is whether or not you are a good representative.

After the funeral of my cousin who was murdered my brother, sister and I went to have something to eat in Paarl. Afterwards, as we were standing on the stoep of the restaurant, two policemen entered, but immediately left again. My brother blew his top. “That’s why nobody has respect for the police anymore. Not even the crooks. Just look at them. That one’s shoelaces aren’t tied and the other one’s cap is crooked.” And they aren’t juniors, both guys had a couple of stars on their shoulders.

I know not all of them create such a poor image of the Police, but these two really made the Police look bad.

How hard do you work in the Kingdom? What image do you as Christian show to the world? And, no, we shouldn’t just do it because we are commanded to do so. We must do it out of gratitude for what Jesus had done for us on the cross.

If the children of the Lord do not make a real difference wherever they go, each of us must come to a standstill, reflect and see if there is anything wrong in their relationship with God. If the Holy Spirit takes full control, it has consequences for people. Good consequences!

It’s good to hear that each of is called to make a difference right where we are. God has called us to do so and He wants to make a real difference with you. But this is not the purpose of our relationship with God, it is the outcome. If God’s Gospel does not end up wherever we go, we must first go back to the drawing board with God. We need to make sure our relationship with God is right, so that his will and calling can really reach its target wherever we go.

Scripture

Colossians 1:24-27

Reflection

How seriously do you take your calling?

Do you believe that God has put you there?

What do you have to do to make God more visible?

Prayer

Our Father, I really want to live your will wherever I go. I acknowledge that You have called me, wherever I go. I must confess I do not always succeed. But I really wish to live your calling for my life. Amen.