"Paul, an apostle - sent not with a human commission nor by human authority, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead - and all the brothers and sisters with me: To the churches in Galatia."
As I reflected on this verse the other day with a group of guys, we asked the question: What is the source and authority of our calling as Christians?
It really starts out as a question of "What is my calling?" Then, as we determine that, we have to ask if we are truly fulfilling that calling with authority and confidence.
I struggle every day with confidence in my leadership. If leaders were honest, I think many of us deal with this. But as I read this letter from Paul, I realized that as I understand I don't need to question the source of my calling (God) my real struggle is with my perceived competence. And competence is developed and refined - in other words I can work on that.
My mind really goes in two directions here:
1) I need to continue to "do my best to present myself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 3:15) I need to "fan into flame the gift of God." (2 Tim 1:6).
AND
2) I can stand firmly and confidently on my calling as a follower of Christ and a steward of His Gospel. I don't need to be tentative in following Christ. I can have confidence - even when I question my competence.
My leadership - and anyone who has responsibilities within the community of faith - is both a gift to be confident in and a talent to be refined and honed. What are you doing to develop your gift and how would a good dose of confidence change the way you view your ministry?
Under the Mercy,
Jason
