Callings

Psalm 101, 109: 1-4 (5-19) 20-30 • Psalm 119: 121-144
Isa. 4:2-6 • Eph. 4:1-16 • Matt. 8:28-34

Whatever we are called to do by the grace of God with this life we've been given, our Ephesians reading for today is there to guide us so that we stay on the one true path listening for direction from God along the way so that we might lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called.

The instructions are clear on how to live into our calling, whatever that calling may be:

• With all humility and gentleness

• With patience

• Bearing one another in love

• Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

It's easy in these days of separation to be confused by political infighting, division and competing ideas of what is best for the health of our cities, states, and country. That confusion and worry makes it difficult stay the course of keeping ourselves, our families, our community, and our calling safe. Ephesians has some encouragement for us there, too. The gifts of calling that have been given us are to be used to build up the body of Christ until we are all one in the unity of faith and are mature in the full stature of Christ:

We must no longer be children, tossed to and from and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.

The instruction for how do avoid that tossing around is simple. Not everyone can or will do it, and sometimes we fail (at least I know I do!). But it simple and good for me to remember at all times and in all ways, especially now to:

Speak truth in love.

Written by Kathy McGregor

Kathy appreciates with love and admiration all that everyone is doing to keep our St. Paul's community together in morning and evening prayer, worship and study online until we can have a going away party for all our cardboard cutouts currently holding our places in the pews!