02-Aug-2024 – Do you know the purpose of your calling?
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ – Ephesians 4:13
Yesterday, God reminded us of the importance of understanding our relationship with Him before we pray. This understanding sets the mindset for a prayer that aligns with God’s will. Today, God wants us to focus on another crucial aspect: the ultimate goal of our relationship with Him.
The ultimate purpose of God saving us through the blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, is to transform us to be as perfect as Jesus Christ Himself. The verse above highlights two key aspects of this transformation: first, that all believers come to the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God; second, that we grow into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
These two aspects represent both the knowledge of Christ and the imitation of Christ in our lives, through our words and actions. If unity in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is the goal, then we currently lack this unity, as evidenced by the divisions among denominations and groups.
Furthermore, this implies that our understanding of Jesus Christ is not yet complete. So, how can we achieve this fullness of knowledge?
And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ – Ephesians 4:11-12
God has established various roles in the church to bring us into unity regarding the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. The ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are meant to continue until we are all perfected.
Understanding this truth helps us refrain from criticizing aspects of ministry we may not fully understand. For example, if we do not grasp the role of apostles and criticize those who identify as apostles, we are in error. Similarly, misunderstanding the role of prophets and criticizing their work is also incorrect. God uses each of us in different ways within these ministerial roles. Each of us has a purpose and a calling.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called – Ephesians 4:1
Today, God reminds us of the purpose behind our calling and salvation in Christ, so that we can pray effectively. Understanding our relationship with the Father and the purpose of our calling will strengthen our prayers, ensuring they align with God’s plan for us and for those around us.
Your prayer becomes more effective when you understand your relationship with the Father and the purpose of your calling.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us today of essential truths for an effective prayer life. Help us to understand and embrace these truths, and to cooperate with the Holy Spirit even when we do not fully grasp certain ministries. Guide us not to hinder the work of the Holy Spirit due to our lack of knowledge. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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