Between the World and the Call
In the New Testament there are many expressions that remind us to not pay attention to the things of this world. Jesus said: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God...” and “Lift of your eyes...”
The apostle Paul tells us: “Set your gaze on things above...” and “not looking at what is seen...”
Hebrews says that Moses “saw him who is invisible...” and also exhorts us saying: “fixing your eyes on Jesus.”
It seems that we Christians have forgotten that we are in this world, but we’re not of this world, that we’re here to fulfill God’s purpose. We live in the world as if we going to spend eternity with him. Wehave a earthly and worldly vision, too attached to the things of this world. That’s the reason why the harvest continues to be plentiful and the workers continue to be few (Luke 10:2).
A direct relationship exists between worldliness and the lack of answer to God’s call to ministry - as the world exercises more influence on the Christian life, greater is the resistance to total consecration to God’s service.
God continues calling men and women to the ministry. This is an undeniable fact. We see it at congresses, camps, conventions, etc. where invitations are given...and there is a great response.
Men and women of all ages make a decision, walk the aisle and stand there, some even with tears in their eyes. God is calling them! But what happens afterwards when they go home, to work, to school, and start to consider the cost?
Here is where they face the real struggle between the world and the calling, and sadly it seems the world is winning.
There are many things that must be left behind: dreams, careers, material things, comforts, diversions, personal satisfactions, economic and social stability, etc. It seems like too much!
And if with this “worldly” thinking, they put on the other side of the scales the things must be accepted, the implications of the calling, the scale will tip abruptly toward the other side.
“It a lot of sacrifice,” they say.
“I don’t believe God wants me to sacrifice that much,” they justify.
“I can serve God from here.”
“I’m responsible for my family.”
Etc.
That’s how the voice that calls is hushed. The world has won this time!
Afterwards, because of the commitment to the world, they don’t hear anyway and can’t be bothered...until they go to another congress or some other special activity. Only now, the calling isn’t heard as sharply in their heart. They become hard. They justify to themselves. They rationalize. They resist and the go home “satisfied.”
The world has won again!
They can’t hear the words of Christ: “I tell you the truth...no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this age...and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mark 10:29,30)
Meanwhile the Lord continues to say: “Lift up your eyes...” (John 4:35)
And he continues asking: “Who shall I send?” and “Who will go for us?”
“How will they call on the name of the Lord?”
“How will they believe?”
“How will they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Isaiah 6:8, Rom. 10:14)
Do you have an answer?
-Omar Bustos Busio
STBS Director
About STBS
Founded in 1956 by Lorenzo Otto Engelmann in Guayameo, Guerrero, Mexico, STBS has been preparing pastors, missionaries, evangelists and music ministers to spread the gospel of Christ in the state of Guerrero and beyond.
The seminary is currently located in San Jeronimito, Gro., 17 miles from the resort sister cities of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa.
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Construction
March 2007
Student Activities
February 2007
Around Campus
2007
