Chosen and Called

I have a confession to make.

While I have always loved expressing my thoughts on paper and sharing what God has been teaching me, I have resisted adding one more book to the countless titles that come out each year, many of which have been added to my own never-ending list of books I want to read. In Ecclesiastes 12: 12b, Solomon warns that “The making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”

For the same reason, I have been reluctant to add another blog to the blogosphere because most people can’t even keep up with the blogs they already subscribe to. Yet at the same time, I am compelled to proclaim what has transformed my own life in every way possible: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The thing is that, for many years, while I rejoiced that I had been saved by Christ’s atoning death on the cross, I unwittingly was leaning on my own understanding, strength, wisdom, and efforts to live out the Christian life. I was determined to be a godly wife (with a quiet and submissive spirit), a patient and loving mother, and a wise and compassionate friend. Though I had good intentions, I simply had no idea how much rebellion, pride, and independence were at work in my heart, blinding me to sin and stealing the peace, joy, and rest I longed for.

Finally, I turned back to the gospel (which I had filed away in my “evangelism file”). Turns out the gospel empowers us to do what we are not capable of doing by ourselves…living to the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 1: 4-5 says, “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. “

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

In other words, God chose us out of His mercy and kindness, and now we have been set free from the power of sin that enslaved us. That means, as I learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, and put off the sin that is always warring against me, the life of Christ will increasingly be reflected in my life.

I invite you to join me in this amazing journey of learning to bring the gospel to bear in our daily lives, wherever God has placed us for His glory. It is comforting to know that there is no temptation that is not common to us all, but more than that; there is no temptation that Christ has not already overcome on our behalf.

Remember ladies, we are marching toward victory!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you,

Linda Green