“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” — I Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

 

All Christians have been called, called into His service — not necessarily pulpit ministry, but called for His purposes, which include sharing our faith with those who “ask” (show interest).

In order to be prepared to serve, we must know our “job,” or what is expected of us. We are expected to be able to share with those who ask (show interest), the Who, what, and how we came to this position.

The “Who” is (of course) Jesus.

We must first know Jesus before we have anything to say. By “know,” I mean that we must be surrendered to Him (fully trusting Him) and believe that He is our only hope for salvation. Then, and only then, are we ready to move on in our faith journey.

The “what” is the hope of salvation through faith in the crucified Jesus.

This amazing transformation from sinner to saint is not something we deserve, neither are we able to obtain it by any other means than through His grace applied to our faith, this faith also being a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The “how” is not complicated, although it is impossible apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us.

We begin by being convicted by the Holy Spirit to the point that we agree with His guilty verdict against our best efforts. Prayer for help is common among most who are convicted, and it is in prayer that we will find help and hope. Under conviction, we must continue to seek relief in His word (and through Godly persons). It is in the joint application of prayer and reading/studying the Bible that we grow spiritually.

As we grow, opportunities for service will present themselves as God sees fit. We must pray for these opportunities, being careful that we don’t try to create them unless God is prompting us, and equally careful not to ignore them.

Remember that we work for God Himself. No opportunity is too small or unimportant, and no assignment too difficult. We must answer His call if we are to be all that He has created, called, and commanded us to be.

Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired pastor.