WORK & CALLING: Daily Reading Plan #2
2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul and his coworkers kept praying for the Thessalonians. They were asking God to enable the Thessalonians to live up to their calling. They and all believers have been called to be holy. 2 Peter 3:11 poses the question of what kind of people Christians should be in holy conduct and godliness. Also, we are called to be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ [the rapture], filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:10–11). Further, we are called to shine as lights in a dark, sinful world (Philippians 2:15). If the Thessalonians led a holy and righteous life that revealed Christ to others, they would be worthy of their calling.
The missionaries were also praying constantly that God would empower the Thessalonians to fulfill their every desire to honor God and also fulfill their deeds that were motivated by their faith.
Reflection Questions
- What do these verses say about work and calling?
- What do they lead me to take to heart?
