“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship…” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
Driven or called? Which way do you lean? Folks who are driven tend to find gratification through accomplishments and achievements. Driven individuals are always looking for “more” and they are often busy and competitive. Those who are driven are easily consumed with symbols of success.
Called individuals, on the other hand, know who they are and their identity is not the same as “what they do.” A called person has a strong sense of purpose and self-awareness. A called person tends to be calm in times of crisis, and they are proactive, not reactive. Someone who is called sees their life as anopportunity to glorify God.
Biblically speaking, King Saul is the epitome of a driven person and John the Baptist is a good example of a person who is called. King Saul was the first king of Israel and he went to great extremes to keep his power. His life was often filled with fear and jealousy. He worked hard to maintain control over ancient Israel. Saul became jealous of David after the young shepherd boy took down the mighty Goliath.
As a person who understood his calling, John the Baptist was a First Century prophet who knew what he was on earth to do. He knew he was called to prepare the way for the Christ Child to come into the world. His life was purpose-based and characterized by a commitment to his divine mission. He never
wanted the spotlight. He made sure his work set the stage for Jesus. And when Jesus came into the world, he took a backseat.
During this Advent Season, we are looking at this one who had a divine calling. We are looking at John the Baptist. Some of the Wednesday study groups are focusing on a book by Adam Hamilton, entitled, “Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist.” Additionally, the sermon
series in worship, “Preparing the Way,” will correspond with the chapters in the book. We will look at John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, John’s birth, his ministry and work, and the legacy he left behind.
I look forward to being on this Advent journey with each of you. John has so much to teach us as we embrace our calling to serve God and others!
Blessings, Pastor Scott