Called to serve Jesus

 26Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."    John 12:26.  NLT

Bibleref.com speaks on this verse":

'being a born-again believer in Jesus Christ means "dying" to one's self and self-interests (1 Corinthians 15:36–42; Romans 6:6–8). Those who resist that obedience are like a seed which is never planted; seeming to "live" but merely stagnating in a state of immaturity and barrenness (Mark 10:21–2.'     (Bible ref.com. John 12:26)

Many people, when they become a Christian, read this verse and believe God has called them to the ministry, to go to bible college or start their own church. This may be so but, not the minute they are born again. There is a time for each of us to settle into the Christian life and be nurtured in the faith. It can happen that God can call a person out and straightaway they give their job up and start serving Him. However, this is not often. They do need some training; but the thing they need to do more than anything else is, to die to self and rise in Jesus to a new life.

This verse is more about growing in Jesus. If Jesus has selected a person to 'follow' Him and serve Him full time, then Jesus has planted a seed and that seed must grow by being watered and fed in the word until it is ready for the harvest. And this is how it is with this verse. Yes, we may have heard about some people being called out to serve Jesus and straightaway have gone on to start an amazing ministry. The thing is, we only know a little; we don't know if the people had had bible training, been qualified already or what. All we know is what they have done. The Holy Spirit can pick someone and train them Himself and this must be amazing, but He requires each of us to die to self before anything else and then live for Jesus. This is the ultimate requirement.

So, if you feel you have a calling on your life, then ask Jesus to confirm it. Then speak to a trusted, Christian friend which may or may be not, your pastor. Take on board what is said, pray about it and then make a decision. If you are to be affective, then it takes time to build a soldier of Christ, so do what is needed and take it from there. But be patient

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.