As a young Christian, I often felt that because of my somewhat rebellious youthful indiscretions, God could not or would not be able to use me. I felt my mistakes and sins precluded me from being able to contribute to His Kingdom.
In those days, when others talked excitedly about feeling “God’s call” on their life, I would nod understandingly and feign excitement for them. All the while, I heard this accusatory voice in my head whispering, “unworthy, unworthy.” I felt a “calling” was something I didn’t deserve. I was unworthy. I should not concern myself with having a calling and simply be content knowing I had a place in heaven.
God Has a History of Using Imperfect People
Then as I started reading my Bible, I noticed some folks that God used had rough starts, yet they had a calling, and God used them despite their past mistakes and sins.
Of course, you don’t have to get far into the scripture pages before reading about the big “oops” by Adam and Eve. They enjoyed personal time with God walking around the Garden of Eden, yet they did the one thing He told them not to do.
God hand-picked David to lead the Israelites, yet he mistakenly slept with Bathsheba and then arranged for her husband to be killed.
In the New Testament, we read that Saul terrorized those who followed Jesus, throwing them into prison and even having them killed.
And who could forget Peter? Peter, one of the disciples, a member of Jesus’ inner circle, openly denied even knowing Jesus three times!
These and many others in the pages of scripture all made mistakes and sinned, yet God used them despite their imperfections.
As I studied the lives and calling of these and many other characters in the Bible, I noticed three surprising truths emerge about our calling.
1. Your Calling Was Established Before You Were Born
God set us apart, establishing our calling before we were even born.
When God called Jeremiah to his role as a prophet to the Israelites, God assured Jeremiah by saying,
“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. (Jeremiah 1:5)
And Paul, writing to the Galatians, said,
“…God, who from my birth set me apart and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I could preach Him among the Gentiles…” (Galatians 1:15)
2. Your Mistakes and Sins Do Not Change Your Call
Paul, writing to his young protégé, Timothy, admitted that he had made many mistakes and sinned greatly in his treatment of Christians. Yet, God showed him mercy and trusted Paul to take the Gospel message to the Gentiles.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:12-13)
3. Your Call is Permanent
God’s spiritual gifts and His call on our life are permanent. Writing to the Christians in Rome, Paul assured them that no matter what happens, God’s call on their lives would not change.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)
Do Not Let the Devil Interfere with God’s Call
I know now that the little voice in my head saying I was unworthy was the devil trying to keep me from fulfilling God’s call on my life. Satan would like nothing better than for his lies to keep God’s children from living out their purpose. Don’t believe him!
God had a purpose in mind for our life before you and I were even born. Nothing we do or say, no mistakes or sins, change God’s call on our lives because it is, along with God’s gifts, permanent!
So, let us strike out courageously, in complete confidence, that God has uniquely gifted and called us to do specific work, and don’t listen to anyone who says you are unworthy of God’s call!
More Articles
I have written several articles on a leader’s humility. You can find them by typing “Humility” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent ones.
- #406: Do Worldly Leaders Have an Inflated View of Self?
- #303: This Man’s Pride Almost Cost Him His Life
- #274: How Did Peter’s Failure Make Him A Better Leader?
- #223: Let Us Stop and Remember Whose We Are
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Category: Personal Development | Humility
There were times in my law enforcement career when I hired new officers with less than ideal backgrounds. Diamonds in the rough. Some of them ended up becoming excellent officers, because they had stumbled in their lives, appreciated their second chance, and had empathy for others. Imperfect instruments can still play music.
Thank goodness for second chances! I know I needed them on more than one occasion because of poor decisions. The important thing is to learn and grow as a person!