A Compelling Calling

Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16

It's an incredible thing when people are right where God wants them. Paul is one of those people. God had called Paul out of a less than stellar past, and set Paul off to become His mouthpiece to the Gentiles, my ancestors. If anyone had the right to boast about his ministry, it was Paul. He had planted numerous churches, won people to Christ, discipled other leaders, was persecuted, and ended up having 17 published letters in the #1 Best Selling Book of All Time. Yet Paul knew that his ministry only came from the grace of God, and because of that he could not boast in himself. In himself, Paul is Saul the persecutor of The Way. Paul tells us that their is only one thing that he can boast in, and that is the Cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14).

Paul would not boast, but he had to preach. Paul says that he was "compelled to preach".God had placed this incredible passion and desire to preach Jesus. It did not matter the city, the forum, or the crowds, Paul preached with passion and more importantly power. Paul goes on to say "Woe to me, if I didn't preach". Paul knew to refrain from his calling, would be a greivous offense against God. Who else would preach to the outcasted Gentiles. Who else would share a message of hope and salvation.

Like Paul, I feel "compelled to preach". There is no place on this earth that I feel more at home, than wherever I'm at when I'm preaching the Word of God. That is where I feel God most powerful in me. Like Paul, I find it hard to boast in something that I know God deserves the credit for. Even if I was a talented or skilled preacher, who is the giver of talents and skills? Yet, Satan is always tapping on my shoulder when a compliment comes. He helps me to think it's about me. He can help turn Godly encouragement, into selfish arrogance. Praise God for His Holy Spirit that through Him I may remain confident in God and not arrogant in myself.

Yet, as I read these words of Paul I am rebuked. Looking at the words "woe to me if I didn't preach". This past Saturday I was able to preach at the mission, but not before my inner whining of "It's the NCAA tournament, do I have to". What a petty, ungodly excuse to reject an opportunity to fulfill God's calling in my life. The realization of this pettiness happened around 11 am on Saturday, when God spoke clearly "I've called you to preach, you should envy opportunities to preach My Word". What a humbling experience. Praise God, by that evening my heart had been changed, and I was able to see it as a God-given opportunity to preach God's Word.

I still have to check myself routinely to make sure that I'm in this for Jesus, not myself. When I was asked to preach @ conference this summer I jumped at the chance. Yet, when asked at the mission, did I respond with the same eagerness? I say that my goal is to help people see Christ for the first time. Do my actions back it up? Preaching at conference is reward/status thing. At the mission, I was able to speak to people who don't know Christ, able to pray for my brother Robert, who collected the evening's offering. Praise God that He knows what's best, even if I drag my feet.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the passion you have given me for my calling. May I look at the models of Your Son and Your Servant Paul, and be a good steward of the calling You have carved out for me. Forgive my shortcomings, and empower me to fulfill your call. In the power of Your Holy Spirit, Amen.