Called, given, sent

Matthew 10 : 1 - 7

All who know the Lord are "called, given, sent out" to proclaim in some way that "The kingdom of heaven is at hand". This passage is often limited in application to explicit sharing of the gospel. But not all are called to do that in every situation they find themselves in. I do not share the gospel explicitly in my professional work as in most situations I find it inappropriate - unless I am asked about my beliefs (in which case I would gladly share).

I think applying this passage should not be difficult for any Christian once we understand the dynamics of being called, given and then sent out.

We are called from the moment we came into being. It may have taken a long while for us to hear that call but it has been there, wooing us, creating in us the desire for our Creator. The call became much more specific when we became believers and recognized all that we have been given - the riches of our spiritual blessings in Christ our Lord! We have so much to share with, offer to others - and sometimes we forget this, in the rush to learn 'techniques' to evangelize. Just embracing what we have and sharing the richness is often enough, when done intentionally and lovingly.

And of course, we are sent out to a world that does not understand and is blind to the reality of a spiritual kingdom that crosses geographical boundaries and cannot be possessed by military or nuclear might. But this sending may seem too far from our capability. Many of us have legitimate family and other responsibilities that will keep us always near home. But even in our neighborhood, we can fulfill the "Great Commission" just by being all that our Lord has called us to be - honest and dedicated employees, good friends, loving family members......all the places and roles that we have been blessed with are the places we are 'sent'. As I mentioned above, sometimes, the sharing is explicit. At other times we open the eyes of those around us by living in ways that make them ask: why do you live in this way that seems so counter cultural? Is there something more to life?