Day 277
Ephesians 1:la
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God... "
As Paul began his letter to the saints at Ephesus, he referred to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. It is so important that our ministry, or what we do on a regular basis to participate in building the church of Jesus Christ, be established by the will of God, whether we are called as full-time ministers or not. It is also important that we keep before us that whatever position we hold is only what God has allowed us to have. Awareness of these things will help us trust in and rely upon God continually. It will also help us act and live more responsibly.
Paul took his calling seriously. He accepted the responsibility to give the gospel to those God sent him to and to set a good example to them. In I Corinthians 9:27, he said, "but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
Our personal lives will either help or hurt our witness for our Lord. We must see ourselves as ministers by the will of God 24 hours a day. This view should motivate us to fellowship with God and allow him to perfect us on a daily basis. We should want more of Him and less of us to be seen.
I will take it seriously that I am privileged to serve God in whatever way He directs or permits. I will endeavor to stay in the will of God and highly respect my calling. I will order my behavior accordingly. I humbly acknowledge that I am honored to serve the Most High.