“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
God has created each of us with a unique calling. If you think of God’s will for your life as a bullseye, the center of the target involves PEOPLE and the next ring involves PROJECTS.
Our primary purpose in life is to make a difference in the lives of people. If you are married, your top priority is your spouse. If you have children, they are the center of your target. Jesus clearly commissioned all of his followers to “make disciples of all nations,” (Matt. 28:19-20) so this is our first calling – to reach people with the gospel and help them become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
“From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they live all over the earth. He decided exactly when they should live. And he decided exactly where they should live. God did this so that people would seek him.” Acts 17:26-27 NIrV
Each of us has been positioned by God so that specific people will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. Are we hitting the bullseye by reaching those closest to us with the good news of Jesus?
The next ring involves projects – specific work God has designed us and called us to do. We are to be both salt and light – not just speaking the truth of the gospel but bringing the love of Jesus into the world in practical ways. This ring involves your vocation – the line of work God lined up for you in a career path. And it also involves your volunteering – the extra tasks and programs you are gifted and equipped to engage in.
To say it another way, the center of the bullseye involves sharing the Good News and the next ring involves performing Good Deeds. These two callings will often go hand in hand as “good deeds create good will so people can hear the good news” (Eric Swanson).
How can you hit the bullseye this holiday season? Pray about this in your small group and you may be surprised to find that others have a similar calling and you can multiply your impact by serving and reaching out together!