I'm not into video games but there is one I hear about from grandsons and teens. The game is Call of Duty. All I know about the game is it is a war game having to do with WWII. But the name presents an intriguing question for believers. Do we minister out of a sense of “call” or “duty.” If we operate out of a sense of “duty,” there are many perks that go along with that approach. People will commend you for sticking with a program. There will be a sense of satisfaction because duties are being fulfilled. And best of all, we often contrive what our duties should be...not to be overly demanding but allow us to function admirably in our comfort zones.

Jesus does not seem impressed by folks operating out of a sense of “duty” (e.g. Matthew 23:23). He's more interested in believers who operate out of a sense of “call” and relationship with Him. Not many “perks” here. Jesus made that clear: “...any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Here are the “perks” to expect if you operate out of a sense of call: “...glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown and yet well-known, as dying and yet behold, we live; as punished and yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful but always rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things. (2 Corinthians 6:8-10).

What is the difference? The difference is that “duty” is contrived by our own thinking. “Call” is the result of walking with the Lord...worshipping Him...listening for His voice (often in opposition to our own)...making our relationship with Him our priority

So which is it? Are you going to live your Christian life out of a sense of duty...that is, your formulations of what those “duties” should be, or, are you going to walk more closely to the Lord and with reckless abandon give yourself to His wise plan. There will be “perks” for either choice. Choose which set you want. Matt 19:29-30

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive one hundred times as much, and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, keep us close to you. So close that we hear Your call. So close that our lives don't become “duty” filled but open to Your “call.” Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.