Being a Christian involves much more than simply praying a prayer and waiting for eternity. We are called to be a people who actively live out our faith in meaningful ways that advance God's kingdom. This calling requires us to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that when we prioritize His purposes, everything else falls into proper alignment.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." This isn't just about having our needs met—it's about understanding that when we align our priorities with God's eternal purposes, our entire perspective shifts.

C.S. Lewis captured this beautifully when he said, "It is he who thinks most of the next world that does the most in this world." When we maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that there's a reality beyond our physical senses, we become more effective in our current circumstances.

Faithfulness serves as a key component of Christian maturity. Just as we recognize God as faithful—unchangeable and true to His promises—we're called to be faithful ourselves. This means being steadfast and consistent in our Christian identity and conduct.

True Christian maturity isn't measured by how long we've been believers, but by how consistently we demonstrate faithfulness in our daily lives. It's the difference between someone who simply claims to be a Christian and someone whose life clearly reflects Christ's character.

1. People of Obedience
Deuteronomy 27:10 calls us to "obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees." This isn't partial obedience—it's about fully obeying the Lord with diligence and consistency.

Oswald Chambers wisely noted that "one step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it." We can analyze and discuss obedience endlessly, but what matters is taking that first step when the Holy Spirit prompts our hearts.

Obedience often starts with small things—reaching out to encourage someone, making that phone call you've been putting off, or responding to a gentle nudge from God. When we're faithful in these small acts of obedience, God shows us what it means to walk consistently before Him.

2. People Filled with the Holy Spirit
Even Jesus' disciples, who walked with Him and learned from His teachings, needed the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish what God called them to do. If they needed this empowerment, how much more do we?

Ephesians 5:18 commands us to "be filled with the Holy Spirit." This isn't a one-time experience but a daily surrender, waking up each morning and saying, "Holy Spirit, walk with me, guide me. I want your agenda today over my own."

The Holy Spirit is our divine comforter and helper—the one called alongside to help so we're never alone. We can't accomplish eternal things through our own education, strength, or ability. We need the Holy Spirit's power to move beyond our limitations and bring Kingdom activity into every situation.

3. People of Generosity
Luke 6:38 teaches us about giving: "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured in your lap." But this passage isn't primarily about financial giving—it's about something much deeper.

In context, this scripture calls us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. True generosity extends mercy, forgiveness, and kindness even to those who don't deserve it.

As Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, powerfully stated: "The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation." Our lives are measured not by how long we live, but by what we give to others.

4. People Who Serve
Jesus revolutionized our understanding of greatness when He declared that He came not to be served, but to serve. In His final object lesson with the disciples, Jesus washed their feet—demonstrating that true leadership and spiritual maturity are expressed through humble service.

First Peter 4:10-11 reminds us that we should use whatever gifts we've received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. Whether we speak or serve, we do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised.

Living as called people requires intentional action in several areas:

Time: How we prioritize our schedules reflects our values. Are we making time for what matters eternally?

Talents: Our skills and abilities aren't meant to be separated from our faith life. God wants to use our talents to serve the church and community.

Treasure: Consistent, generous giving enables the church to touch nations and impact lives around the world.

This week, identify one specific step of obedience God is calling you to take. Don't overthink it or make excuses—simply respond to that gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. It might be reaching out to encourage someone, offering your talents in service, or showing mercy to someone who has hurt you.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What is God specifically asking me to do in obedience this week?
• How can I be more intentional about being filled with the Holy Spirit daily?
• In what ways can I show generosity beyond financial giving?
• Where is God calling me to serve others with the gifts He's given me?

Remember, being a called people isn't about perfection—it's about faithfulness. When we consistently seek first God's kingdom and respond obediently to His promptings, we become effective instruments for advancing His purposes in our generation and beyond.