I Forgot

I forgot.

I forgot for a season of my life who I was and what I was called to. It wasn’t intentional. Forgetting never is. But when people who didn’t know what they were called to be began to be intimidated by me, I stepped back. I sat down. I buried my all my money in the sand for fear of losing it (Matthew 25:14-30). I turned on my flashlight but stuck it in my pants pocket (Matthew 5:14-16).

And so I forgot who I was. I forgot what I was called to. I forgot that the flashlight wasn’t just for me, but for others to find their way, too.

I also forgot about one of my heroes. He was this guy who got knocked off his donkey by a blinding light on the way to kill Christians. After being blinded, he repented and was told the path of the rest of his life. And over and over again he kept telling people that he had to complete the calling that he received when he was saved. It was the laser focus of his life. He would also tell others to not forget their calling. He even told me time after time after time: “Your calling is important. Finish it.” (See Acts 9:1-19, Acts 26:12-23, Colossians 4:17)

But now I’m remembering. I’m remembering that I cannot let people’s reactions sway me from the heavenly vision. I can’t be disobedient to it. A little older, a little wiser, I’m learning to pursue my calling while simultaneously not sacrificing others its altar.

But make no mistake, this is not some Christianized version of self-actualization. Being missional means knowing your calling. You cannot help advance the mission of Jesus if you are walking in someone else’s calling. A soldier in the wrong place during battle will not help win the war. The same is true in Jesus’ kingdom. Only a people who are intent on fulfilling their calling will spread the Gospel far and wide like my hero.

Know your calling. Fulfill your calling. It’s important. Souls hang in the balance. Remember. Don’t forget.

Photo Credit (Top): Don’t forget… by Bernd Baltz

Photo Credit (Inset): Don’t forget to be awesome by Star Athena