By, To, and With

“Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, as affirmation of his standing and authority, states from the start he’s called by God to be and do exactly what he was. His goal was sanctification, Christ-likeness, together with all the others God had named since before the foundation of the world. This was no solo journey. The how that wove all these prepositions together was the grace of God. Grace united them in salvation, and grace abounded in keeping power and benediction. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; Ephesians 1:3-6)

The Christian life is inaugurated and secured by God’s call. He fulfills His eternal plan by wooing us to the point of trusting Him, and initiating the purpose He has that each saint be serving, growing, and thriving in fellowship with one another as they are conformed to His image. The blessing of His grace and peace, lavish thanksgiving, and mutual edification and encouragement sets the tone for rich living.

Do we know for certain we have been called by God? Chosen to be His child forever, kept in His fold and promise? If so, what evidence is there in our outlook on current and world events, if our future is certain? How would others describe our identity?

Do we understand that we have been called to bear His name and truth, His character and grace? If so, how are we living out that purpose by specific choices through our days? In our speech and interactions, if we have been made new? In our attitude toward stress and suffering, if God uses all things to conform us to Himself? What effort are we making to grow in our knowledge of God’s will? (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

What about the with in the Body of Christ? Do we shy away from others out of insecurity or a fear they will know the real me? Do we avoid mixing with fellow saints so we can just do our own thing without the mess of other personalities and opinions? How can we, knowing that God works through mutual sanctification, invest in and seek the wisdom of others for the good of the whole?

Lord, keep me wholly engaged in Your will and ways for the good of Your church and praise of Your glory.