Not ability, but attitude

Greetings to you Church! Happy and Blessed Saturday!

This morning, as I read 1 Samuel 3, I found myself meditating on the moment when God called Samuel for the very first time. Biblical scholars estimate that Samuel was around twelve years old at this point still young, still needing training, still in the process of being shaped and refined by God. So when the Lord called him, Samuel assumed it was Eli the high priest speaking to him. Immediately, he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am,” believing his spiritual father had called for him. This happened three times. Yet Eli, who should have possessed spiritual discernment as the high priest, did not at first recognize that it was the voice of the Lord calling the boy. Only after the third time did Eli finally understand and instruct Samuel how to respond. When spiritual leaders lose discernment, unfortunate things like this can happen. But what is remarkable is Samuel’s response. He did not say, “Lord, I am too young,” or “I am not prepared,” or “I am not gifted enough.” Instead, with humility and readiness, he answered, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” Isn’t this amazing?

Life is not ultimately determined by ability, but by attitude. A person may possess extraordinary talent, but if their spirit is arrogant, disrespectful, or unteachable, few will desire to walk alongside them and neither will God entrust them with greater things. This is why throughout Scripture; God continually emphasizes obedience and the posture of the heart more than outward religious performance. Christians must therefore be careful not to speak or behave carelessly, arrogantly, or dishonorably, because such attitudes bring shame upon the name of God. Our words and conduct should reflect the holiness of the One we represent.

When I was in seminary, one of my professors once said something that deeply unsettled many of us. He declared on the first day of my class, “More than 80% of students here were never truly called by God into ministry. If you came simply to learn Hebrew, Greek, and theology, only to graduate and wound churches or cause people to stumble, then you may as well leave this classroom right now. If you are here without the genuine calling of God, the Highest CALLING of God, you should leave now.” At the time, his words sounded harsh and uncomfortable. But now, after many years in ministry, I understand that those words were not spoken out of anger, but out of love and holy concern. Looking back twenty years later as a pastor myself, I finally understand the burden behind his voice.

Those who are not called should not force themselves into places God never appointed for them, only to damage what has been entrusted to their care. But when God truly confirms His calling, then obedience becomes necessary. At the same time, we must remember this: being called by God does not mean we are perfectly prepared. In truth, none of us will ever feel completely ready, because we ourselves are imperfect. Sometimes saying, “I will obey once I am fully prepared,” can actually become a subtle form of pride, as though our readiness, rather than God’s grace, is what qualifies us. Readiness is often formed through obedience itself.

We are called to walk with God daily, seeking Him, listening for His voice, and receiving His direction step by step. If we honestly come before Him saying, “Lord, I have never done this before. Teach me how,” God is faithful to shape us, correct us, restore us, and use us for His glory. The important thing is that we continue to talk with Him and remain sensitive to His leading. When I was serving as a senior pastor in Michigan, I had five pastoral staff serving alongside me. Among them was a young youth pastor who was passionate and full of vision. His passion was his greatest strength, but also his greatest weakness. Often, he would make major decisions without first seeking counsel or discussing them with me. Then, when problems arose, he would bring the situation to me afterward. Had he come beforehand to pray together, seek wisdom, and receive guidance, many difficulties could have been avoided. Even if problems had still emerged, I could have stood beside him and helped carry the responsibility. But driven by ambition and the desire to accomplish something impressive, the desire to show it to people to impress them, he rushed ahead emotionally and created unnecessary hardship in the church.

There is a spiritual lesson in this for all of us. We must continually seek God’s wisdom and examine our decisions through His Word. When we do, God not only reveals what we should pursue, but also what we must avoid. Today, God still calls people the way He called Samuel: “Samuel… Samuel…” And Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” In Scripture, when God calls a name twice, it often signifies a holy and divine calling. God called, “Abraham, Abraham,” and Abraham answered, “Here I am.” The risen Christ called out, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” before transforming Paul’s life forever. Today, may you also respond when God calls your name. Do not take lightly the calling God has given you here at RockSpring Church; whether as a pastor, leader, ELC member, SLC member, Chair and Vice chair, Parish Leader, worship team, media team member, father, mother, or spiritual influence within your home and community, do not take it lightly. May we continually seek the Lord, consult Him in all things, and walk closely with Him each day. And as we do, may our lives bear beautiful and lasting fruit for His glory.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church