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"Love is the acid test of
Christian spirituality. If Christian conversion is authentic, we are in
a process of becoming more loving. If we are not becoming more loving,
something is seriously wrong." ~ David Benner, Surrender to Love,
p.90.
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God's Call
Most of us err in one of two
ways when we talk about vocation -- "God's call." On the one
hand, we conclude that He calls just a few outstanding individuals.
Louie Giglio is called. Max Lucado is called. Our pastor is called. But
not us.
On the other hand, we assume
that His calling is always to something great; leadership, significant
service, widespread influence, "success."
But the real call of God -- our
common vocation -- is much simpler; to be loved and to love.
The Father calls us first to
Himself so He can heal, affirm, soothe and save our souls.
And as we receive His love He then calls us to love others.
That's it. Simple. Stop the
bus.
We've complicated this idea of
God's call, insisting on some extraordinary divine encounter that
catapults us into a high level of leadership and responsibility. And
this misguided understanding of vocation distracts us from the truth.
Thomas Merton reminds us that "all
vocations are intended by God to manifest His love in the world."
That's straightforward enough. It's not about wisdom, power, fame, or
leadership ... but love. And, as David Benner reminds us, "If we
are not becoming more loving, something is seriously wrong."
Tragically, many of us are not becoming more
loving. Our marriages have cooled off, our friendships have dwindled,
and we've grown increasingly cynical, isolated, or selfish over
the years. We want to be
loved but have ceased loving.
To the extent that we love
poorly we fail our primary vocation as followers of Jesus.
Jesus said, "By this
shall everyone know that you are My disciples; that you love one
another." (John 13:35)
We'd like to tweak that just a
little. How about we serve sacrificially? Lead energetically? Speak
passionately? Evangelize earnestly?
Teach whole-heartedly? And Jesus calls us again, just as He
has always called all His followers, to love more deeply and more
consistently.
The nameless Good Samaritan
models this deepest value of the Kingdom. But Christ on the Cross
provides the consummate example.
We share a common calling, but
not a simple one. Start first with your spouse (if you're married) then
let your love ripple out. It is our first and always highest calling.
In HOPE –
David
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