My Calling.....

Last weekend, I had the privilege of hosting the Bible College of Malaysia E-Team members. They are in Penang to minister at our church, Tabernacle of Praise. They have been a great blessing to us and I enjoyed the fellowship time we had together.

During one of the lunch fellowship, one of the students asked me an important question - whether I am a full time minister. My immediate response to this question was “Yes”. In my response, I told them that I view my secular job as my calling. I am called to the marketplace ministry.

I believe that the New Testament describes ministry as any service rendered by a Christian that is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit that benefits all mankind and brings glory to God. In the Old Testament, ministry was largely the responsibility of the few, the priesthood. In the New Testament, all true Christians are priests and thus the ministry is the work of all the believers. I Peter 2:5 says “you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

There is a lot of misconception with regards to our individual calling. To many, a calling is described as something to do with a five fold ministry. I believe God does not distinguish between secular and spiritual, but only between that which is of the flesh and that which is of the Spirit. So whatever we do is to be done as to the Lord and for the Lord. We are required to give thanks in everything we do. Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

By no means I am undermining the calling into the five fold ministry and Christian service. They are important and play significant part in the overall plan of the Kingdom of God. I believe that God calls some to serve Him in a secular occupation, while others are called into “full-time Christian service.” I Corinthians 10:31 says “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God”. I believe I am called to the marketplace for this season of time in Penang. If the Lord calls me for another new area of ministry, I will be willing to give up everything for HIS glory.

In conclusion, it is not a question of whether your work is in the realm of the secular or the spiritual, but whether the work you do is done in the power of the Spirit or in the power of the flesh. God desires to be glorified by His children, whether it is in the marketplace or in the pulpit. May God help us to glorify Him in our work and to be content where He has called us to serve Him.

Be Blessed.