Peter’s Sequential Callings
Christian growth is a process. In the calling of Peter we have a great example of how a new Christian can put themselves on the path for a sustained life of growth and service.
How can we grow? We can begin to grow as Peter did by following his example of answering every sequential call to service and growth with a YES.
First call: A call to loan (Luke 5:2-3)
This is the lowest level of calling and service. It is where you still hold onto our possessions and maintain control of all we have, but loan them to the Lord. I will let God use me when I feel like it and when not too inconvenient.
There is no long-term commitment at this level. No permanent life change. Just temporally letting God use our possessions, time, body, or talent. Sadly, this is where many Christians life their entire life.
“Me help?” “Ok, when?” “How long do I have to commit?” “I cannot promise, but I will try.” These are comments from those Christians at the “loan” stage.
If this is where you are, do not be afraid of higher levels of commitment. Aspire to greater usefulness to Jesus.
Second call: A call to launch (Luke 5:4-6)
Here Peter is challenged by God to take the next step. It is still not yet a call to permanent change. It is not a call to permanent commitment. It is a call to a little greater effort and sacrifice. Is this your next step? Can you hear the Lord asking you to launch out into a little more service and obedience? Say yes. Launch out!
Third call: A call to leave (Luke 5:10-11)
Here is a call to great commitment. A lifelong dedication to Christ. This is a call every Christian should accept in their life. Unfortunately, very few accept this call.
It is a call to change masters. It is a call to change occupations. A call to change our priorities.
Fourth call: A call to love (John 21:15-22)
After Peter had accepted the call to loan, the call to launch, and the call to leave, Christ called Peter to the greatest motive for service. Jesus called him to confirm his love for the Lord. We cannot truly know how much we love the Lord until we have learned to serve Him.
Fifth call: A call to learn (Acts 10:9-28)
Later in his life and ministry, God gave another challenging call to Peter. A call to “change”. We must learn how to grow and learn to make the necessary changes in our lives and perspectives to expand to ever greater and diverse service. God was calling him to make a huge step.
A call to learn a new way of thinking. Not a new way to violate the Scriptures or operate outside of God’s principles, but to be open to receive a new vision.
Do you want to have a life of growth? A life of usefulness to God? If so, answer in the affirmative to the sequential calls of God in your life.
Loan, launch, leave, love, and learn.
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Pastor Bryson 