Read: John 10:3-5  |

Roll calls prove who is present, tardy, or absent at the appointed time and place. The process of calling roll varies around the world. In many classrooms, a leader reads the list of names aloud and awaits a reply. On our jobs, roll calls have morphed into punching a time card, swiping a card key or logging into a computer system to prove our presence.

In our Spiritual walk, we also have one or more daily roll calls. The Holy Spirit calls our name or prompts our spirit, giving us the opportunity to use our Time, Talent or Treasure for His glory. However, we have a free will. We have a choice in our response and we can be Present, Tardy or Absent.

Present
A believer is spiritually present when we answer without significant delay and follow where He leads us. He has called us to be saints who lets our light shine, servants who are salt and supplicants for those in need. We fulfill our purpose and realize our potential by responding, “Present – Here I am Lord use me!”

During the summer, we had to replace my son’s car (long story). God led me to share my faith with many of the car sales persons during the process. While no one confessed and believed on the spot, I shared my faith when He prompted me to speak. I was “Present”.

We can prepare for the next roll call by studying to show ourselves approved, praying for guidance, investing in Quiet Time and fellowshipping with other believers.

Tardy
A believer is spiritually tardy when we procrastinate in accepting God’s call. Personally, I have been tardy when His calling overwhelmed what “I thought” I could do. At other times, I have just been stubborn. I did not want to do what I knew He was leading me to do. I was tardy, because I yielded – eventually – and accepted His direction.

Be aware of Satan’s sand traps, snares and seducements. If Satan cannot get us to ignore the call and the pull of the Holy Spirit, the next best thing is to delay our start. To avoid being tardy, we have been called to put on the full-armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-14). Listen, hear and strive for “Tardy” to be the exception and not the rule.

Absent
A believer is spiritually absent when we purposefully do not follow God’s will. I am not perfect. I admit to times when I “know” He wanted me to share my faith, and I did not. I know, He wanted me to watch my words, and I did not. I was absent and I still feel guilty. For whatever reason, I did not overcome Satan’s objections or my own doubts. I have since repented and confessed my sins of omission, one by one.

No believer is perfect, yet it is important to understand that repeated spiritual absence without repentance can lead to “Lukewarm” feelings about God and His Work. We risk the wrath of God by slowly transforming into a lukewarm Believer (Revelations 3:15-16). Hear and listen to God’s calling. Stand up, uncover the light within, be active in godly things and get involved in what God is doing.

When God calls us, we must decide whether to be Present, Tardy or Absent. As a born-again Believer, our name is already present in God’s Roll – The Book of Life. The question is in the present, are we willing to live the life the Good Book prescribes when He calls us to serve.

Questions:
1.Discover –
A. What were the last three times that God moved your heart and or prompted your spirit to act or move?
B. Did you respond Present-Absent-Tardy?

2.Develop –
A. How can I get better at being “tardy” less often when God calls my name?
B. What is my fear? What holds me back? Why does it take me a while to see things His way?

3.Demonstrate –
A. Share a recent victory experience where you have answered “Present” to God.
B. Share a recent experience where you have answered “Tardy” to God’s call.
C. Share a recent experience where you have been “Absent” when called.