Through him and for his name’s sake we received grace and apostleship to call people from among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. (Rom. 1:5)
NOTICE THE PREREQUISITES for being an apostle of Christ. It is not wisdom, nor is it a theological degree. It is not seniority or marked by the number of years you have been a believer. It is not by the number of Scripture verses you can quote by heart, or by the number of faith-building trials you have endured.
Two things are required in order to “go” and spread the gospel. Grace and obedience. The first is God’s gift and the second is our response to that gift. Grace is the giving of something we could never earn. Through God’s grace, by the death of Jesus for our sins, we are made “worthy” to be His disciples. We obediently step out, believing God will bless our efforts in His perfect plan and timing.
The focus then shifts from our abilities to His capability. That frees us from having to worry about how we come across. The reaction may not be immediate. Instead, when told of Jesus’ love, we may only see a glassy-eyed stare, a furrowed brow or a shaking head. We cannot see into the future or into people’s hearts. But by faith, we obediently spread the Word by the way we live our lives, the conversations we have, and the prayers we offer.
So be encouraged, and go in grace and obedience as you are called to let others know about the amazing love of Christ, freely given. God goes with you.
Remember “GO” requires first grace, then obedience.
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.
