Living Out God’s Call on Our Life
Introduction: The Search for True Purpose
Viktor Frankl, a survivor of Nazi concentration camps, observed that those who endured unimaginable suffering often did so by anchoring themselves in a sense of purpose. In his classic book Man’s Search for Meaning, he wrote that identifying a purpose worth living for—and imagining that purpose fulfilled—had life-giving power that sustained people even in the darkest circumstances.
Frankl was right: purpose matters. But Scripture shows us that the greatest purpose is not one we invent for ourselves—it is the one God gives us. At the heart of that purpose is a calling that applies to every follower of Jesus: to make Christ known.
This calling is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or those with “religious” titles. It is the birthright of every believer. God calls each of us into relationship with Himself and then sends us into the world as His representatives. Our workplaces, families, and communities become mission fields where our lives point to the hope and freedom found in Jesus.
The Apostle Paul put it this way: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). We don’t choose this role—it is given to us the moment we belong to Christ. Our purpose, our identity, and our mission are now tied to Him.
And this is not a small calling. It is the ultimate adventure—the chance to align our lives with God’s eternal purposes and to participate in something infinitely significant: helping people know Christ and grow in Him.
Let’s explore five foundational pillars that reveal what it means to live out God’s call in our lives.
Pillar 1: God’s Call Is to Walk with Jesus
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
The first and most essential aspect of God’s call is not about what we do, but who we walk with. God’s call is to Himself. Jesus is not simply a teacher of moral principles; He is the Living Lord who invites us into daily relationship.
When we walk with Him, we don’t just “produce” fruit—we become the fruit. The Spirit shapes us into people whose lives overflow with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
This daily walk grounds everything else. Without it, our efforts for God risk becoming hollow. With it, we carry His presence wherever we go. To live out God’s call begins by seeking His kingdom first, trusting that He will shape the rest of our lives according to His purposes.
Pillar 2: God’s Call Is to Be Jesus with Skin On
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” — Mark 12:29–31
Jesus summarized the law with two commands: love God fully and love others as yourself. Living out God’s call means embodying that love in tangible, visible ways. We are called to be “Jesus with skin on”—the hands and feet of Christ in a broken world.
This doesn’t mean we replace Christ. It means we allow His Spirit to shine through us so that people experience His love in real ways. A word of encouragement to a discouraged coworker. Integrity in a business deal. Compassion for someone who feels overlooked. Each act becomes a reflection of Jesus’ love.
When we embrace this call, we discover that evangelism often begins not with a sermon but with service. People are drawn to the gospel when they see it lived out authentically in everyday life.
Pillar 3: God’s Call Is Evidenced in Evangelism and Discipleship
“This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” — Colossians 1:23
The heartbeat of God’s call is not only to receive the good news but to share it. Evangelism is the proclamation of Christ—His life, death, and resurrection that brings reconciliation with God. Discipleship is the ongoing process of helping others grow in their faith, learning to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19–20).
These two dimensions are inseparable. Evangelism without discipleship produces shallow roots. Discipleship without evangelism becomes stagnant. Together, they form the living out of God’s call: multiplying the life of Christ in others.
Each of us has a unique role in this. Some may preach, others may mentor, others may simply model faithfulness in the workplace. But every believer is called to be a witness and to invest in the spiritual growth of others.
Ask yourself: Who in my life needs to hear the good news of Jesus? Who in my sphere of influence am I helping grow as a disciple? Living out God’s call means intentionally stepping into these roles.
Pillar 4: God’s Call Aligns Us with His Purposes
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20
Our culture tells us to define our own purpose and pursue our own agenda. But God’s call realigns us with His purposes. We are no longer free agents—we are ambassadors.
An ambassador does not act on their own behalf. They represent the one who sent them. That is our identity in Christ. We are sent into our workplaces, neighborhoods, and networks not just to “do life” but to represent Christ and His kingdom.
This alignment reframes everything. Our careers are no longer just about income—they become platforms for influence. Our homes are not just shelters—they become centers of ministry. Our relationships are not random—they are divine appointments.
To live out God’s call is to wake up each day asking, “Lord, how do You want to make Your appeal through me today?”
Pillar 5: God’s Call Is Lived Out with Perseverance and Hope
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58
Living out God’s call is not always easy. There will be resistance, discouragement, and seasons when results seem invisible. That’s why Paul urged believers to remain steadfast and immovable, confident that their labor in the Lord is never wasted.
God’s call is sustained by hope. Hope that Christ is working through us even when we cannot see it. Hope that every act of obedience is woven into His eternal purposes. Hope that one day we will hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
This perseverance is not about gritting our teeth in willpower. It’s about relying on God’s Spirit, drawing strength from His promises, and encouraging one another in the journey. Faithfulness, not success, is the measure of a life well lived in God’s call.
Living the Call in Everyday Life
Being Christ’s ambassador is not an abstract concept. It plays out in the practical rhythms of where we work, live, and play. My assignment is my sphere of influence. My message is reconciliation through Christ.
And I have learned that I cannot live this call alone. I need the encouragement of brothers and sisters who share the mission. I need accountability to keep my focus on Christ. And most of all, I need His Spirit’s power at work in me, because on my own I am not sufficient for this task (Ephesians 3:20).
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A Call to Reflection
As you consider these five pillars, here are some questions to help you reflect:
• What does walking with Jesus look like in your daily life?
• How are you embodying His love to those around you?
• Who are you sharing the gospel with, and who are you discipling?
• In what ways does your life align with God’s purposes rather than your own?
• Where do you need perseverance and hope to continue faithfully in His call?
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Conclusion: The Ultimate Purpose
Viktor Frankl discovered that purpose had life-giving power. But Scripture reveals that the truest, deepest purpose is to know Christ and to make Him known. This is God’s call for each of us.
It is not a small task. It is the most significant adventure we could ever embark upon. When we walk with Jesus, embody His love, share His gospel, align with His purposes, and persevere with hope, we live out a calling that changes lives for eternity.
So let us delight ourselves in the Lord, embrace our ambassadorship, and live in such a way that people around us see and experience the freedom and hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.