I press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
2 Timothy 1:9 says, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace." According to this verse there is a general and primary calling in christiandom. This is the call to be a believer. It is a call that every true christian has answered to.
Yet in our verse for today (Philippians 3:14) Paul speaks of a different calling; a higher calling even after we've come to Christ. In verses 10 and 11 of the same chapter he speaks of a burning desire to know God and in the end to become like him in every possible way; in power, in suffering, in death and in resurrection. That is the higher calling and it is this that separates passionate christians from passive christians. Whereas passive christians are content with the fact that they have answered the first call, passionate christians like Paul recognize that there is a higher call and so pursue it. These are the ones that read their Bibles when they don't have to, take time to win souls for the kingdom when others aren't and spend more time in prayer. If we too would recognize the value of this calling and the prize attatched to it, it would determine the course of our actions and the level to which we pursue God in this life.
LIFE APPLICATION
Do not just be satisfied with the fact that you are saved. Like Paul press on towards the higher calling by doing more for Christ.
PRAYER
Father, enlighten the eyes of my understanding that I may know what is the hope of my calling.