Called By God

Called By God

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—and all the brothers with me.

Galatians 1:1–2

Religious leaders face a very foolish yet strong temptation. Some claim they must teach because they have a talent from the Lord and feel compelled to teach because of the command of the gospel. Confused by a foolish conscience, they think that if they don’t teach, they’re burying the gold of their Lord and will be condemned for it. The devil causes them to think this way to make them neglect the responsibilities to which they are called.

My dear friend, with one word Christ frees you from this notion. Look at the parable in Matthew: “A man going on a journey . . . called his servants and entrusted his property to them” (Matthew 25:14). He called them. But who has called you? Wait for God to call you. In the meantime, don’t be concerned about it. Even if you were wiser than Solomon and Daniel, unless you are called to spread the Word, avoid that calling even more than hell. If God needs you, he will call you. If he doesn’t call you, you won’t burst from the wisdom inside of you. In fact, it isn’t even true wisdom. It only appears that way to you. And it’s very foolish for you to imagine that you could produce fruit. The only one who produces fruit by the Word is one who is called to teach without wishing for it. For Jesus Christ is our Teacher (Matthew 23:10). He alone teaches and produces fruit through his servants, whom he calls. But those who teach without being called endanger both themselves and their hearers, for Christ is not with them.