The Call, The Separation, and The Work: Answering God's Divine Assignment

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to journey together on this sacred path—this glorious work—it’s easy to get wrapped up. Wrapped up in the comfort of the familiar, wrapped up in the things that *feel* good, or even wrapped up in the very good things that aren't, ultimately, the *best* thing God has for us.

I was thinking this week about the weight of a calling. It’s not just about *wanting* to serve; it’s about the profound, sometimes uncomfortable, act of *separation*. It’s realizing that to truly fulfill the divine assignment—the calling—we sometimes have to let go of what’s holding our heart captive.

It struck me while listening to some powerful counsel recently, about how God uses what seems like rejection or distraction to refine us for the grand purpose He has laid out. Think about the Apostle Paul. He was zealous, he was deeply involved in his own pursuits, but God’s plan for him was so immense that it required a radical separation—a separation that manifested powerfully on the Damascus Road.

This isn't just talk for the missionaries in the MTC, though it’s vital for them. This is for us, the rogue disciples, wherever we are! It’s for the returned missionary who thinks they’ve settled into a rhythm, or the lifelong disciple who feels they’ve found their perfect balance. Sometimes, God needs us to say, “Okay, I’m ready to separate.”

We all have these little distractions, these things that aren't technically sin, but they are consuming. Maybe it’s the endless scroll, the hobby that takes up all the quiet time meant for scripture study, or even a career path that, while successful, keeps our heart too focused on earthly accolades. These things aren't inherently evil; they are just *substitutes* for the centrality of Christ and the gathering of Israel.

The key, as I’ve been pondering, is realizing that the Church, the word *Ecclesia*—which comes from a root word meaning 'to call'—is fundamentally about being called *out* to something higher. It requires a conscious, active choice to redirect our energy and our affections.

This week, I want us to focus on that act of separation. Where is something—a habit, a commitment, a preoccupation—that is draining your time and energy, keeping you from saying a resounding "Yes" to the Master's plan? It's not about perfection; it's about resolution. It’s about making a covenant with the Spirit that says, "I will prioritize the call."

If you are feeling the pull toward deeper understanding, I highly recommend diving into the Iron Rod authors. I’ve found the insights on covenant keeping incredibly grounding. For those who are ready to dig deep into the mechanics of discipleship, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces; studying scripture together is the perfect way to build that spiritual muscle!

For those of you feeling the weight of the calling right now, I want to point you toward a resource that can help you wrestle with the tough questions: Davee. He’s ready to walk you through what an investigator might ask about these very topics—the sacrifices, the focus, the commitment.

Let's keep reminding ourselves that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s make our separations purposeful, making room for the Spirit to do the amazing work.

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