1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

The Corinthians themselves had not come from the upper intellectual crust of society. They had not been reached by lofty philosophies but by the simple gospel. Why, then, were the Corinthians putting such a premium on human wisdom and exalting preachers who sought to make the message palatable to the world? If men were to build a church, they would want to enroll the most prominent members of the community. But, verse 26 teaches us that the people men esteem so highly, God passes by. The ones He calls are not generally the ones the world considers great. In other words, God loves to take up people who are of no esteem in the eyes of the world and use them to glorify Himself. These verses should serve as a rebuke to Christians who seek the favor of the prominent and the well-known and show little or no regard for the more humble saints of God. God’s purpose in choosing those of no account in the eyes of the world is that all the glory should accrue to Himself and not to man. Since salvation is entirely of Him, He alone is worthy to be praised.

Challenge:

You may not feel like it, but God is always calling you to something. He may be calling you to greater faithfulness, or deeper holiness, or specific service, but rest assured He is calling you in some specific way. He is not calling you because you are supremely gifted in a particular area. He is calling you because He wants to equip you for His service. Will you answer His call and follow His instructions without questioning or negotiating? Your challenge for this week is to refuse the temptation of resisting the Lord and begin to move in the direction the Lord desires of you. Don’t make any excuses. Don’t talk yourself out of His will. Had Paul resisted the will of God, he would not have had the impact that he did on the church. Had Philip refused to go to the desert, the Ethiopian eunuch would not have gotten baptized that day. By your obedience, you will see the hand of God use you to make a major impact on someone’s life, including yours. Once you obey HIs directive, be sure to turn around and give God thanks and all the credit. The Lord wants to use you; because He wants all the credit for what happens through your life. Answer His call and make this week filled with His blessings. God bless.