Calling, it is what we do when we want to communicate with someone. It is also how we refer to our individual pursuits in life. Each one of us has been called by Christ to be witnesses to the truth of who he is. Many of us have specific calls on our lives for ministry in Christ Jesus. Paul talks about the spiritual gifts of speaking, evangelizing, healing, pastoral ministry, helpfulness, and several others. In 1 Peter 4:10-11 he tells us that God has given to each of us from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Notice the words "each of us", that is all inclusive. No one is left out. And it is with these gifts that we often find our calling in life. But there is one calling that each and every person who claims the truths of Christianity has on his/her life, and evangelistic call.

Now you might be thinking that there is no way that you were called to be an evangelist, and you may be right. You are correct that not all of us have been called to be the next Billy Graham. Evangelism is something that all Christians are called to do but not necessarily called to be. There is a distinct difference. Matthew 28:19, otherwise known as the great commission spells this out for us. We have been called to share the gospel message with those that we come into contact with.

As scary as this might sound it is not as hard as you might think. Looking at what I wrote last week goes hand and hand with this. We need to be prepared for action, and when the moment arises take it. Sharing what you believe can be the most natural and easy thing in the world if you are consistently living out your faith in front of people and letting the light of Christ shine in you as you just go through your day. If you have not seen it happen already, you will. Just living a Christ centered life will cause people to approach you and start the conversation.

I used to sweat thinking about starting a conversation with someone about Jesus but I have noticed that almost every time that I have ended up in a conversation about Christ, I have not started it. I have had multiply encounters with co-workers who have approached me and began to ask questions about my faith and why it is that I believe as I do. I have had more opportunities to share the gospel because of my actions then because of my words.

So do not be afraid of the idea that you have been called to share the gospel of Christ with those that you know. Just live as salt and light in your world and sphere of influence and then be prepared to act when the opportunity arises. And most importantly just be honest and share what God has done for you and remember that you don't have to know everything. If you get a question that you don't know how to answer, let them know. Tell them that you will ask your pastor and get back with them or better yet use it as an opportunity to invite them to church so that they can ask the pastor themselves if they are comfortable with that. They will respect you more for being honest than you trying to make up something that sounds right only to find out that it isn't.

Final Thought: I encourage you all to get involved in an outreach ministry of some kind at least once a year. Whether it is a mission's trip or monthly visits to the local soup kitchen we should all be doing what we can with our calling to tell people about Christ. Not only will you be helping lost souls find salvation but you will begin to see your relationship with Christ deepen as well.