Ephesians 1:1

In just eleven words, how would you describe yourself and the essence of who you are? Would you describe yourself by your vocation, your role in your family, your political affiliation, or by the sports team you follow?

Paul described himself by his divine calling. An apostle: he was one who was sent by God with the full authority of the Sender. It was an office bestowed by the will of God, not by any human will or self-promoting resolve. Paul was commissioned by Jesus Himself to go to the Gentiles. In Galatians, Paul wrote, “When it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…” (Galatians 1:15-16).

Just as Paul was called of God, you were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). You were chosen for a purpose—a holy purpose—to promote the glory of the grace of God. You may not have been given Paul’s influence in the world, but God has given you some influence in the people He placed around you. So influence them! Pray for them, serve them, and love them. Then you can truthfully say: I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ, by the will of God. This is your greatest calling and your most important purpose in the world. And it will become your greatest joy, too.

Tom Day