A Heavenly Calling

Matthew 23:1-5 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, (2) Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: (3) All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. (4) For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (5) But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, (KJV)  

What we see going on here in Matthew 23 is quite similar to what still takes place today. We have people that have exalted themselves to positions of authority within the Church, or what they envision a church to be. And we see those that are more concerned with outward appearances and pleasing people rather than building up the people; they are just building up their own egos. With many of these people they preach messages and tell people how they should be living a godly life of laying down their lives for the brethren; basically all the things they themselves are not willing to do. Although they are quiet adept at pointing out the faults and shortcomings of others, all the while at the same time they have a closet full of skeletons they think they are hiding.  

Matthew 23:6-12 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, (7) And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. (8) But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. (9) And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (10) Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. (11) But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (12) And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (KJV)  

You don’t need a title or mans’ approval to share the gospel or live a godly life. You are the written epistle known and read of all men. So don’t wait around for some title of man before you get out into the field which the Lord said is already ripe for harvest. The church of God is not just limited to some building or some group of believers that are under the authority and rule of someone with mans’ title of ordination. After all who would have been more qualified for this title himself but our Lord and He didn’t take it, so why do others? Masters, Rabbi, all refer to honor, respect, or revered, which if it isn’t coming from our Lord then it’s a waste of time. In fact if you are seeking approval from man anyway, then you are already headed in the wrong direction. The Bible is very specific to point out that if they hated our Lord then they would hate those that imitate Him also. The Lord was trying to put a stop to this stuff long ago so that mankind wouldn’t be looking up to people and putting them on pedestals, but rather that those in position of authority would be more of a servant than expecting to be served. Respect, honor or approval is something that we should be seeking from our Father above, and not lowering ourselves to the standard of man.  

John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. (43) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (KJV)  

Many limit God and their calling because they don’t have a title to back them up. Then you have those that base their foundation on the fact that they have a title from man and therefore they must be legit. The Lord Himself knew His calling and didn’t wait around for mans’ approval to fulfill His calling. Thank God He didn’t, otherwise we would still be waiting for a savior to bring a plan of reconciliation to mankind. In fact He instructs us just the opposite; mans’ titles are subject to man’s rules which will limit you from doing what He is asking.  

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (KJV)  

Those that are answering their heavenly call know their place in the body of Christ and will do all things decently and in order. They don’t need a t-shirt or a neon sign that says they are an apostle or prophet, but know their place and calling in the body and carry it out in humility, serving and building up the saints instead of trying to build themselves up. Remember people, a church is not a building, it is the people that are the Church; like the Lord Himself said, ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’. So quit looking to outward things or titles of man to seek your approval or win the congregation over, but teach sound doctrine that will edify them in Christ.  

1 Timothy 3:1-5 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; (3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; (4) One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (5) (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) (KJV)  

Here’s a test for you, how well do you run your own home? If your own home life is a mess what business do you have trying to tell others how to live? Bishops, elders, deacons are all chosen to help the congregation and to lead by example. To whom much is given, much is expected; and these are the people that have walked with the Lord and are living proof by example to the younger Christians on how to live and walk in the Spirit. So whatever your calling is, being that it is the Lord calling, feel free to answer it, and don’t wait around for mans’ approval or title, but rather get to work.  

Matthew 20:6-7 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? (7) They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. (KJV)  

If you read this chapter it refers to the parable of the vineyard. The owner of the vineyard, our Lord, keeps finding people standing around idle because they are waiting for some man to tell them what to do. When our Lord returns again someday to check out His spiritual vineyard where will He find you? Are standing around idle waiting for mans’ approval or title before you go to work, or will you answer your heavenly calling and receive the reward of inheritance?  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.