On planet Earth, the secular and the sacred are two sides of the same coin, each with distinct characteristics. Although they are different, they coexist. From birth, we are exposed to both the secular and the sacred worlds. In the former, we are expected to follow the culture and norms of society and to do what society considers good and acceptable. Deviating from these norms may lead to being labelled as socially unacceptable or, in some cases, mentally ill.
The sacred world is not entirely different in this respect. In this realm, where divine principles prevail, we are expected to abide by the values and principles of the Kingdom of God, which define the culture and conduct of the Christian faith.
Every person encounters both worlds. For instance, a nurse who is a Christian is expected to perform certain duties in the ward to restore and maintain the health of patients. Failure to perform these duties in accordance with the required professional standards may result in disqualification or disciplinary action. Similarly, when this nurse refuses to follow the teachings of Christ, he or she cannot be considered a faithful Christian.
Whether in the secular or the sacred world, everyone has a calling and a purpose to fulfil. Whether you are a teacher, doctor, lawyer, minister of state, market woman, farmer, minister of God or engaged in any other profession or occupation, you have a purpose to accomplish.
Today, we are drawing our attention to the divine calling we have received, which places us in a position to fulfil God’s purposes. As Christians, some of the divine purposes for which we are called include being witnesses of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for Christ, the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
1. You Are Called To Be A Witness Of Jesus Christ
To be a witness of Jesus Christ is to make Him known wherever we find ourselves. It involves making Him accessible to those who do not know Him by demonstrating His love to them and others. It also involves demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit through the healing of the sick, the casting out of demons and the bringing of joy to communities and hope to the hopeless.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Their mission extended beyond making disciples to include healing the sick and casting out demons.
The early Church played its part, and today it is our turn. Souls are perishing, and Christ is counting on us to reach out to them with the Gospel and lead them to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Philip went to Samaria to proclaim the Gospel. Through his ministry, the sick were healed, and impure spirits came out of those who were possessed. As a result, there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:6–8).
We, too, can fulfil this divine mandate through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
2. You Are Called To Be An Ambassador For Christ
An ambassador is a person sent on a mission to represent another person, organisation or country. Jesus has called us and made us His ambassadors to represent Him on earth in His physical absence (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means that He has entrusted us with the responsibility of carrying out His mission and doing what He would have us do as His representatives.
Just as an ambassador represents his or her country and promotes its interests in a foreign land, Christians are expected to represent Christ faithfully wherever they find themselves. We are to demonstrate His character, proclaim His message and live according to His teachings.
For this reason, Christ has entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation so that, through us, people may be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18–20).
An ambassador does not act merely according to personal wishes but follows the instructions of the authority he or she represents. In the same way, as ambassadors of Christ, we must heed His instructions and faithfully carry out His commands.
You are an ambassador for Christ, and His Spirit is with you. Therefore, be bold and faithful in representing Him wherever you find yourself.
3. You Are Called To Be The Salt Of The Earth
Salt is commonly used for preservation and seasoning. It helps to preserve food and enhances its flavour, making it more palatable.
Christ likened His followers to salt (Matthew 5:13). This means that we have a responsibility to influence society positively and help preserve its moral and spiritual values.
Corruption and other forms of moral decay exist in our societies, workplaces and nations. As Christians, we must help preserve what is good and challenge practices that undermine righteousness, justice and integrity.
How can we fulfil this responsibility? We can do so by proclaiming the Word of God in our families, workplaces and various sectors of society. As we teach moral values and principles that discourage corruption and deviant behaviour, we must also practise what we preach.
Our lives must reflect transparency, accountability and integrity so that society can learn not only from our teachings but also from our conduct. We must be intentional about transforming society and must continually pray for the welfare and peace of our nations (Jeremiah 29:7).
4. You Are Called To Be The Light Of The World
Light provides illumination, direction and hope. Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This means that we are called to guide others towards the truth, demonstrate godly living and bring hope to a world in spiritual darkness.
The world, in this context, includes people who do not know Jesus Christ. Many are walking on the wrong path and need someone to direct them to the true way, Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). As Christians, we have the responsibility to point them to Him.
Those who live without Christ are vulnerable to the destructive influence of the devil and need the protection and deliverance that God provides. Many are also searching for lasting joy and hope beyond this present life. These needs find their ultimate answer in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world so that, through our words, actions and godly examples, those who are perishing may be drawn to Him, come to know Him and receive salvation.
Conclusion
Beloved, we have not been called merely to occupy space on earth but to fulfil a divine purpose. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for Christ, the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Let us, therefore, take our divine calling seriously and fulfil it faithfully wherever we find ourselves. May our lives bring glory to God and lead others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Written by Elder Frederick Chaba (Fielmoa District, Tumu Area)
