Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. (Rom. 1:1)
AT FIRST GLANCE, it might appear to us in the 21st century that Paul was bragging. But look again. The first thing he stated was that he was a servant of Christ Jesus. Doesn’t sound boastful, does it? Every Christian could say the same thing. And should. One of the first things we learn is the joy and wisdom of being a servant to our Lord. When we let go of our agenda and bend to His amazing will, good and purposeful things happen.
Next, Paul claimed he was an apostle, meaning a messenger assigned by Jesus to spread the good news. Christ called his followers in Matthew 28:19–20 to go baptize and preach to the ends of the earth. The same commission applies to us. When one receives amazingly good news, do we not want to share it?
Lastly, he stated he had been set apart. So are we. Jesus explained we had to remain in this world, but we are no longer a part of it. We are governed by the steadfastness of the Holy Spirit instead of our fallen human nature that tend to be self-orientated, easily swayed and misguided at times. We are called to no longer follow our own desires, but yield to God’s. People notice the difference in our attitudes and actions and want to know why we stand out.
Substitute your name above and repeat this verse as a reminder of what God has called you to be.
Julie B. Cosgrove is an award-winning, multi-published author who regularly writes for several devotional websites and publications.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
