INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, … — ROMANS 1:1

I was visiting one of our CBMC Connect3 teams a couple of weeks ago when our discussion had us in several scripture verses related to our calling as representatives of Christ. As is sometimes the case, I got hung up on a particular verse that captured my attention. On that morning, it was Romans 1:1 where Paul introduced himself to the Roman church. “Paul, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.”

My mind was stuck on the question: how would I introduce myself? If my life were a book, how would Brent 1:1 read?

Over the next couple of weeks, I took a stab at a one-sentence introduction and challenged some of the men in my life to do the same. Here are the ones I’ve received back so far:

• Brent, a grateful servant of Jesus Christ; chosen, adopted and made new by His grace; called to love and strengthen others as we follow and imitate Him.
• Ray, a slave of King Jesus, called to speak of Jesus, to make disciples of Him, to walk in love, and to rest in Him
• Gary, a willing and grateful servant of the Most High, called to be a bold testimony to the redemptive blood of Yeshua, forever focused on sharing His love, grace and light with those still in the dark
• Marty, P.I.T. (Priest in training), and awake in the garden. (1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 26:38)
• Brian, a servant of Jesus Christ, made worthy by His grace called to help others in humility.
• Daniel, saved by grace, pursuing to know God more deeply, sharing the gospel with people from all nations, discipling/shepherding followers of Christ around me, seeking to multiply disciples.
• Matthew, a friend and disciple of Jesus Christ, set free by His death, born again in His Spirit, and raised to new life in His resurrection, called to be an ambassador for His Kingdom, and a loving servant of His people until the day of my death or until He returns in glory.

In Romans 1:1, the Apostle Paul isn’t listing his credentials, but rather sharing his personal ‘why’. It’s what he was giving his life to, his reason for doing it, and his understanding of how God would have him live it out. Knowing this is essential to the fruit-bearing, purpose-filled life God has for every one of us. So how would you introduce yourself and describe the direction of your life?

Think and Pray
God has called you to Himself and has a unique purpose for your life. Ask Him to help you articulate it, then let it guide your priorities and activities.

Father, thank You for giving me a new heart and for calling me according to Your good purposes. Give me Your eyes to see where You are working, and the courage to join You there. Amen.

Brent Vawter is a Senior Area Director for CBMC Oklahoma. Having spent the first 30 years of his career helping several Fortune 100 companies with their marketing and operations, he now focuses his efforts on helping businessmen grow in their relationship with Christ and discover greater purpose in life and meaning in their work.