God’s platform is a validation of our call. Two definitions of platform apply to this message –
1) A raised structure that people stand on when making speeches or give a performance.
2) A body of principles on which a person or group takes a stand in appealing to the public. (Dictionary.com)
From the first definition, “a raised structure”, in this piece represents the call into the ministry. When you are set apart and placed in a position given by God, which authenticates that you belong to a ministerial office or you have a special talent or ability to accomplish any God given task, that is a platform. It is not necessarily a physical structure, but an elevated position provided by God for His purpose. Ephesian 4:8, 11-16 says, “Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men .… And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,”.
The second definition mentions “a body of principles” and this represents the message and mission. I will say this is what you are called to do and the means to achieve it. God is the source of your message. Where you are in Him, by His grace, gives you access to His exclusive agenda for your delivery. 1 Corinthians 15:3 states, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture.” When you give what you have not received from God, it is called falsehood. That is the birth of religion. The combination of these two factors, that is the call (ministry or assignment) and the message (mission), provides you with a platform – God’s Platform!
This is an elevated position that provides access and connects you to God on a greater and more distinct level. Understanding your platform is where you become relevant and begin to exercise the attributes of God.
Why would God give us a platform? To build the body of Christ – His Church. Period! Whether it is our gifts, callings, potentials, or whatever platform it is we have, it is always centered around one purpose. And that is to restore eternal life in His people! In John 17:2-3, the bible says, “As You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
All of our platforms are meant to get the world ready for God’s kingdom and eternity. The mandate in Ephesian 4:12-13 states what we are responsible to accomplish via our platforms: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” [Read all of Chapter 4].
Clearly, our ministry to the Body of Christ is the reason we are called by God. We are under an obligation to share whatever God is showing us to our generation, while using the platforms He has given us. It is our responsibility. Without any doubt, God has given you yours. It might be in an uncommon area; but you still have it. And the part that you play in His kingdom is extremely significant to His agenda. This is why you have that platform.
Just as I am using this platform to share what God has given me, I encourage you to embrace yours and share what you have. Someone is waiting to see and hear from you. There are some who will suffer and remain in agony and darkness if you refuse to use your platform.
People in various walks of lives are using their platforms to foster various courses in life. Celebrities, athletes, poets, philanthropists, and all kinds of people in various endeavors, are taking advantage of their platforms. How much more should we.
Start charting the course of your life by using your God given platform to change the world around you. Be confident that someone out there needs your help to see the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to be saved.