What Task Has God Given You?

Life Lessons From 1 Corinthians

Our Calling From God – 1 Corinthians 1:1

Did your parents ever warn you to behave in public and not disgrace the family? I can remember the stare I would get from mom when I misbehaved. I knew I’d better heed the warning.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Corinth, they were behaving poorly. So, he writes them to rebuke and teach, reminding them why they should behave. As I read his letter, I thought of its application to me! Like the church in Corinth, I can act poorly and need reminding of who I am and why I should live a holy life. Others are watching!

As believers, we are called to live holy lives because Jesus died for us. Our sins have been forgiven, and we have been set apart for God’s use and glory; reason enough to live a life that brings praise and not disgrace to God’s name.

Paul begins his letter by identifying himself as an apostle, one who God sends. It was God’s will for Paul to do what he was doing – teaching and preaching the Gospel. It was the task God had given and sent him to do.

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” 1 Corinthians 1:1

Almost 13 years ago, I was asked to teach a ladies’ small group at my church. Growing up, I never had the goal of teaching the Bible to anyone! I certainly wasn’t qualified by the world’s standards. But God, in His mysterious ways and plans, called me to that task. A few years later, He called me to a speaking ministry. Never as a rebellious young woman would I have dreamed of standing before women and teaching God’s Word. I never thought God could use this “unschooled and ordinary” woman for anything.

We may think God can’t use us for his name and glory, but God makes all things possible. Matthew 19:26 And He uses the weak, the unqualified, the unexpected, and the unimaginable for his purposes. Interestingly, Paul was a persecutor of Christians before he met Jesus! Yet, in his grace, God used Paul to take the Gospel to the world.

What task has God given you?

Paul carried out his assignment earnestly with his eyes fixed on Christ and the commission at hand. Fixing our eyes on Christ and depending on God’s power within us is the only way we can accomplish the mission God has given us.

How will you begin today to carry out the charge God has called you to do, bringing praise and glory to His name? Will you trust Him to supply all you need?