For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. John 6:44 NLT
The original call came when I was twelve years of age, but I could do little more than say, “I’ll do it.”
As a young believer, I felt God beckoning me to devote my life to full-time Christian service. My eagerness at twelve, however, was overshadowed by rebellion at fourteen—and for nine years thereafter. I left high school for the work world, burned a few bad relationships, married, and had a child before I finally agreed to obey. But I wasn’t alone. While some at my Alma motto came immediately from high school, many were young adults as I was with families. A few even neared retirement age.
The reasons for putting off Christ’s call to salvation or service can be plentiful. Although, I didn’t put off God’s original call for salvation, I have delayed doing other things he’s asked. Busyness can keep me from obeying Christ’s call. I have an education to complete, a profession to establish, kids to rear, parents to care for, money to invest, and community events to attend. Where am I supposed to insert God?
Unbelief can hinder my obedience. How can I be sure this religious stuff isn’t just “pie in the sky?” How can I know God exists, loves me, and has a plan for my life?
Misplaced priorities are always a hindrance to obedience. I assign more importance to other people and endeavors than I do to serving God.
Ignorance of the need of salvation can also postpone my decision to heed Christ’s summons. I was fortunate to be reared in a Christian home. God was involved in everything we did. Many are not as privileged. Because of life’s circumstances, some don’t hear God until later in life.
If you’ve been ignoring God’s call to salvation or service, answer it now.
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