Paul uses the word "call" four times in the introduction to his letter. He was called to be an apostle. He (and we) received a commissions to call others to obedience. His readers were called to belong to Jesus. All were called to be saints.
Often I wonder how did Paul maintain his focus. How did he stay so centered upon the mission ahead of him. I think these verses reveal his heart. He felt called to serve Jesus, evangelize others, belong to Jesus and be a saint. He clearly knew who he was and what that implied for his life. His purpose flowed from his identity in Christ. Since he knew who he was spiritually, his purpose was to call others to that same belonging. That same security of self in Christ.
In a world that seems to be more and more complicated, simple yet secure answers serve as cement pillars in a fast flowing river. There are only a few of them that we can really grasp onto in order to not be swept downstream like so many other people. Identity in Christ as a source of purpose seems to be one of those pillars.
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