My prior post inquired about being worthy of imitation and also asked “Are we living a life worthy of our calling?” When writing that post I hadn’t read the scripture for today’s post yet (which is 2 Thessalonians 1), and was completely surprised to find the following regarding being worthy of God’s calling:
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
This week my job has “called” me to visit Italy. The countryside, architecture, and historical sites are stunningly beautiful. Even more important than the physical beauty, our hosts are bending over backwards for us; setting aside their work and even their personal schedules to accommodate our every need.
Our hosts have been driving us around, booking our hotels, shifting plans on short notice, being patient with our inability to speak Italian and also teaching us Italian, offering coffee at least every hour and engaging us in work-related conversation (well and lots of talk about food) during three to four hour dinners very late into the night.
Our host just today after lunch offered to take me golfing “right now” and he was dead serious (had to decline that but going to plan for it next time), invited us to dine at his home tonight (hopefully his wife is aware), introduced us to the chef/owner of one of his favorite restaurants, introduced us to the owner of our hotel (along with the owner’s family), and offered to help us find the right school for our kids.
The food here is incredible; the best I’ve ever had. Same with the wine. There is so much.. I’m speechless (and very, very full).
Saying all of this, I can see how easy it can be to get distracted by the pleasures of this world. Food, wine, scenery, friendship, fun… these are all good things, but we all need Jesus, and this week my “work-related” calling includes building relationships, but my eternal calling has nothing to do with food, and everything to do with spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I feel the pull and empty promises of the worldly things, so I am so thankful for what is not empty: the promises of God, for his holy truth, for being “found” whenever we seek him, for God being my rock, and my true comfort.
For many are called, but few are chosen. (Matthew 22:14)