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A Calling to Greatness

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.¹

Sometimes we see that the more educated people become, the less they tend to believe and fully rely on God. This is not always the case, but it is something that I have seen happen over the years. People start relying on their own knowledge and understanding so much that they struggle to trust and have faith. Everything must be tangible and proven for them to consider as truth.

Perhaps this is why, as we see in today’s passage, God specifically chooses “things that the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.” God does not look at our accomplishments or intellect as a prerequisite to be chosen and used by him. All he needs is a willing heart.

Now this is not meant to make us feel like we are less in any way. On the contrary, when we are in this state of humility, God can build us up for his glory by equipping us with wisdom, spiritual gifts, and the tools necessary to be who HE wants us to be. As God works in our lives, our knowledge and understanding grow. God does not call us to leave us in the state he found us. He calls us to greatness! When we live under His will and direction, we experience his blessings, which can come in a variety of ways. The Bible says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”²

Let’s not focus on becoming important in the eyes of the world, but rather let us fix our eyes on Jesus, allow him to do his work in our lives, and be used by him for something greater than we could ever imagine.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you because you didn’t look at what I was when you called me, but rather who I could be. Thank you that you do not see my flaws, but instead see me through the blood of your Son, Jesus, that has made me pure and free. Help me to stay focused on you and strive to be more like Jesus every day. Keep me from becoming so fixated on becoming wise or intelligent in the world’s view, that I lose sight of you and the greatness you have called me to. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT).

2.    Philippians 1:6 (NIV).