Answering a Call

Answering a Call

Phone technology has advanced so far that I now have virtual Google assistant that screens all unknown calls from out-of-town area codes. It has been quite nice to think that while I hear of others being overwhelmed by robo-calls and potential scammers, that for the most part, my phone line has remained quiet. On the moments that the screening feature actually impedes someone I truly have business with, they generally can state their name and I can opt to answer their call. It has caused me to wonder how many individuals who had legitimate reasons to contact me, upon hearing the beginning of the virtual assistant have hung up and moved on?

I enjoy my virtual assistant because I value my time. The older I get, the more I try to be intentional of how I spend my time, an attempt to ensure I am using it wisely. I can’t help but wonder though if that virtual assistant is going to prevent Publisher’s Clearing House or some unknown relative with a vast fortune from being able to get into contact with me. I worry about not answering the calls that I need to. I doubt anyone is going to just drop a fortune in my lap, but it does cause me to consider what other opportunities, calls, I might miss.

Scripture is filled with example of God’s call going out for individuals to rise to an occasion, stand in the power of God so that he might be displayed. Sometimes individuals valiantly answered the call; Noah, David before the Philistine giant, Elijah before Ahab, and the Apostles are wonderful examples. Then there are others who shrank back and received no glory or worse were harmed, such as Saul and the Israelite army, the idolatrous kings, and the Pharisees of Jesus day. These two groups with distinct outcomes were often presented with the exact same opportunities, evidences and call, but what differed was their faith demonstrated in their responses.

God is still calling men today, in fact you can’t come to God unless he first calls you (John 6:44).  Many people respond well to that initial calling, they “give their lives to Christ” and are baptized, but God is still calling on you after. He calls for us to reflect daily on the actions to choose what is best and proper to be true image bearers of his son (Rom. 8:29).

Are you answering his call daily? Or are you screening it against the other desires in your life? Will you make a decision to seek him and respond to his callings for you throughout every day?

I love You,

Jonathan