A Holy Calling

6,646 feet above sea level, I saw a flower on Logan’s Pass in Montana.

Bees and butterflies took nourishment from it, and so did I, in a way. In a field of wildflowers, this one held my attention and reached above the highest mountains to gather sunlight.

It did not cause itself to germinate or grow there, and even the pollen it provided to the bees and butterflies was not a result of its efforts but instead a product of its abiding in sunlight and snowmelt. 

I thought of that flower again as I read the Apostle Paul’s letter to his young protege, Timothy. 

“But share in suffering for the Gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…”

The ministry Paul called Timothy to wasn’t one fueled by his own effort, opinions, or know-how. It wouldn’t make him rich, successful, or famous. At the end of a life of ministry, he would have very little to show, but he would learn to treasure abiding with Christ.

How often I have made the mistake of thinking my works accomplish God’s plan! “My ministry,” I say proudly, forgetting that “Identity that begins with self ends in pride or despair,” (as I heard preached recently,) “Christian identity always begins and ends with God.”

Every time a Christian is able to minister the Gospel to another, it is God’s power, working through His purpose and grace that makes it possible. 

Every ministry I consider mine is as little dependent on my own works as my salvation was. God caused me to germinate, to grow, and now, He continues, in His power, to help me nourish others.

It’s a sacred invitation. He asks if we are willing to be set before Him like the showbread in the tabernacle, bringing Him glory while never offering anything in our own power at all. He uses us for His own purposes, asking us to set aside any pride or power we may have had in our own abilities or goodness.

In addition to using us for His purpose, He gives us His grace. His divine influence on our hearts is reflected in our lives, so that through us, others may hear echoes of His goodness.

As I step into 2026, I want to be like that beautiful flower on the mountain top, abiding in the Lord so that He can use me to bless others. I want to be an echo of His goodness and a picture of His grace. 

Like Paul knew, and like Timothy discovered, we have a holy calling. No matter what ministry we may do, the Lord has called each one of us to abide in Him.