Biblically, there's no room for any ambiguity that the Higher Calling of Christ's followers is to dedicate our lives to proclaim his gospel of the Kingdom to all of mankind. Looking at it superficially, it might seem like a trivial thing. But when we read the Scriptures, we understand why God asks us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to run this gospel race. His purpose is multi-fold. Let us dig deeper.
One uber-crucial thing we achieve by running the gospel race - We prove our faith! According to Paul's letters, it's a basic requirement for a believer to announce the gospel. It's a test of faith. And another important purpose of our gospel work would be to discharge our priestly duty. Yes, the Bible declares every true Christian a priest. And performing this priestly duty is the way to attain holiness.
Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves and continue to do good.1Pet 4:19. The Petrine epistle says we need to do good. But the Bible deems all the so-called good things of this world as meaningless (Eccl 1:14, 2:1). So what good can we truly do to someone? Also some ask the question - Why do we need to tell the gospel to the world now? Won’t they just hear it in the Kingdom? Many just reject it in present times, don’t they?
Paul writes - Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17. That sounds fair. Only if we participate in the sufferings of Christ would we get a share in his glory. What kind of sufferings did Jesus face? Is suffering like Christ only meant for the Apostles?
When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus replied – “Love (Greek: agape) the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love (agape) your neighbor as yourself” Matt 22:37-39. Greek has many words for love. Here Matthew uses agape. How is it unique? How can we show agape to God and humanity?
Scriptures, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scriptures indicated NASB are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.