Callings
by
Ted Slater
on Aug 16, 2007 at 9:35 AM
What are your callings? Do you ever think about your callings, your vocations? Do you even believe that the Lord has callings for you? I believe He does. And I believe He has more than one calling for each of us. Some have a calling to the medical profession, to help sick people get better. Others have a calling to minister the gospel as intercultural missionaries or pastors. Others have callings to engage with the academic community. Still others are called to facilitate worship as musicians. Beyond career, we have callings. We're called to a closer walk with the Lord, to continue growing in godliness. We're called to resist evil. We're called to love one another. How do we discern our callings? From general scriptural counsel and from the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit and from the counsel of those around us? I think so. Once you determine one of your callings, what do you do with it? Do you prepare yourself to take on the responsibility of that calling by going to college or working with a mentor or visiting a library or praying for wisdom and guidance? I think so. Here's another question: Is marriage and parenthood a "calling"? Is it possible that the God who calls you to a particular occupation or ministry also calls you to become a husband or wife or father or mother? If so, what do you do with that calling? |
Is a "calling" a "command"? If God has called you to become a leader in your church, would it be wrong to reject that calling? Would it be wrong to not prepare to take on the responsibilities of that calling? Would it be wrong to put off your training, and then to say "not yet" to the invitation to join your church staff? By not following that "calling," would you in effect by disobeying a "command"? If God is calling you to work overseas for a couple of years as a teacher or aid worker, and you instead stay home, or say that maybe you'll get around to it some day, are you being disobedient? Are you saying "no" to a command, or merely saying "nah" to a Fatherly request? If the Lord has put on your heart the calling of marriage, would it be wrong to not prepare for that? Would it be OK to instead put off your preparation, to be passive and noncommittal about it? True, His calling to marriage may be years away from fruition, but would it be sin to backburner preparation for taking on the responsibilities of such a high calling? If you've been "called" to a particular career, is God "commanding" you to prepare for it and stay on that particular career track and jump into that career when the time is right? If you've been "called" to marriage, is God "commanding" you to prepare for it even now, and to stay on the marriage track, though it may possibly be many years before you enter into that state? Is a "calling to marriage" the same as a "marriage mandate"? |
1. Ben had the following to say on Aug 16 at 9:48 AM:
Our culture calls us to careers, to vocations while largely denying our need to hear Him calling, to hear Him revealing His purposes to us personally. To me, finding our calling comes down to hearing Him calling us to advance his kingdom by being salt and light, people of grace and truth who reflect Christ in all they do in the location, or vocation, where He's placed us. I think the key isn't so much what we're doing for a job but if we're glorifying God in it and drawing others closer to Him. Os Guinness book The Call is a great resource along these lines. In conclusion, I believe he does have a vocation for us that we can discern through our gifts, experiences, abilities, personality and heart and so on as well as the Word, counsel and the Holy Spirit like you mentioned. But regardless of vocation, I think his call is to be surrendered, to be wholly His, for His purposes and that's somebody He can use.
2. Susan Kemp had the following to say on Aug 16 at 10:02 AM:
I suggest looking at the times "call from God" is used in Scripture. It either refers to His calling people to salvation, or to certain decisions people make. In the latter cases, it is always accompanied by supernatural signs, such as a voice from heaven.
These days, it is not normative to except supernatural signs to aid in our decision making. To try to find God's secret will for our lives is futile. Instead, we should look to Scripture, and use the brains He gave us to determine what we are good at doing and how we can best serve his kingdom. When we get to heaven, we might look back and realize that was, in fact, our calling.
Book suggestion: Finding God's Will: A Pagan Concept by Bruce Wiltke (sp?)
3. Joe had the following to say on Aug 16 at 10:04 AM:
I really wanted to weigh in on this issue since it is something I have been passionately interested in for quite some time, and have studied quite a bit. Let me get my "thesis statement" out in bold to make it easier for readers: It is very rare for God to call a person, or to direct a specific action. Indeed even within Scripture, which is an account of the actions of God, specific calls on the lives of individuals are exceedingly rare!
I think building up the expectation of a calling of God is particularly damaging first for new believers, and second for the Christian community at large. When a new believer hears that God will place a calling in their life and continually fail to experience that, the whole of the Christian community starts to shift in the way that we can see in modern times -- where the term "call" becomes a near-meaningless jumble of desires, gifts, and emotions. The fact of the matter is that the God of the Bible is not shy; when he wants to direct a decision in someone's life, he tells them directly, or sends an angel, or uses a dream. NOWHERE in Scripture do we see something along the lines of a vague desire to go to China being labelled as a "call", because it simply is not. Desires and gifts are good things, and indeed they are guides that we should use to make decisions often times, but they are not callings, and it cheapens God's legitimate but rare supernatural directions to label them as such.
Obviously I won't be able to do justice to this issue in a pithy blog post, but let me refer anyone interested to Decision Making and the Will of God, an excellent book on the subject.
4. v@v had the following to say on Aug 16 at 10:18 AM:
Ephesians 1:11 --
In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
God's call comes in many different forms, as you serve the Lord and follow the desires of your heart according to his expressed will -- you may just find out you've been living His calling in your life all along.
Yes, God has callings on our lives. We may find that as we grow in the gifts he's given us. Likewise, the Bible says to "make your calling and election sure". I.E., just because you can speak well doesn't mean you're "called" to be a preacher; because Daddy is a pastor, doesn't mean your "called" to be one.
Other "callings" -- spouse, parent, etc., you may have to grow into. If someone is a "bad" parent or spouse, does it mean they were never called to that job? And, if your marriage goes through difficult times, does it mean God didn't "call" you to marry that person? Perhaps we just have to live according to his Word, and as Eph. 1:11 says, HE will work it out.
Above all, I think your "calling" will bear fruit. I hear one to many people saying they are "called" and "led" -- but to where? and why? and for what purpose? Do the work of the Lord as expressed in Scripture. That is our calling. Everything else, the details, God will work out.
5. D had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:24 AM:
Thanks for that, Joe! Good post.
6. Ted Slater had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:50 AM:
Joe -- does God communicate with His people? I would argue that He does -- through Scripture, through the Holy Spirit's subtle guidance, and through the wise counsel of those around us.
What does His "communication" look like? In some instances it's comfort and peace. Other times it's conviction for wrongdoing. And at other times it's a leading to do something. This "something" would be a "calling." That calling may be significant (yes, consider marrying *her*) or minor (put $40 in the offering plate rather than $20). Maybe I should have defined that term up-front.
Do you see anything wrong with my definition of "calling"? Do you believe that God no longer communicates His will to His people?
7. susan had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:54 AM:
Ted, God communicates his will, his moral will outlined in the BIBLE.
8. Ted Slater had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:58 AM:
Susan -- please use your real e-mail address. We are inclined not to publish comments from those who provide fake e-mail addresses. Thanks.
9. kman had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:59 AM:
Joe- I've read that book and am currently re-reading it.
This is an issue I've struggled with for years. I can in all honesty say I've never had a clear specific calling from God other than the one to "Follow Me." That one was VERY clear to me.
So I am either
1. not a Christian and thus have no calling
2. I am in some unrepentant state that I cannot receive this calling
3. my understanding is faulty on this issue.
1. I don't think this is the case. I have no hope for redemption other than Christ.
2. This is a possiblity. Sin goes deep and I know God is not done with me yet. But I know that this side of heaven this is true for every Christian and yet other Christians seem to have "callings".
3. This seems the most likely of the three. As much as I desire for God to personally tap me on the head and say "Go do this or that" that may not be the truth of how He operates within a believer.
Having said that, He has revealed plenty for us to do in Scripture that can keep us business for many lifetimes. I think it's better to say God has given us our set of gifts and talents and wants us, with the Spirit's guidance(typically a subtler influence), to find a place where they can be useful and bring glory to God.
10. nikki had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:00 PM:
I'm glad previous commenters beat me to the point I was itching to make: that specific callings are little more than a myth, unless accompanied with supernatural signs, as in Scripture.
(The same goes for pastor-callings, as well as missionary-callings, I think. But that's my opinion. I know several missionaries who would tell me differently. But I don't know why that is a special circumstance.)
We are all "called" to follow Christ, obey his commands, and all the things outlined in Scripture. In that case, "called" is exactly the same as "commanded" because we don't get the "nah" option when it comes to Scripture.
Apart from those general, universal "callings," I see nothing in Scripture that would lead me to believe there are other kinds of callings. (Read the book "Decision Making and the Will of God" by Garry Friesen for an excellent review of this topic.)
If the command does not come from Scripture or some objective sign from God, then it's not a command at all; and we are free to exercise the brains, common sense, free will, and godly WISDOM we are given, and live a life that is glorifying to God in our own unique way.
So no, there is certainly no Marriage Mandate if I don't see it in Scripture, but I know that's a debate all on its own so this semantical approach doesn't do anything to further the viewpoint of MM-advocates. I plan on getting married because I'd like to get married. There is no clear command; there is, however, common sense and wisdom which dictate marriage for most folks. It's no more complicated than that. And yes, it would behoove those of us who plan to be married to prepare for it, just like anything else in life.
11. Katie had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:12 PM:
I have a question that I would love to hear some of your opinions on. What do you think the role of calling is in choosing a spouse? Do you look for people who share your calling to enter into a God-honoring marriage, or for someone who has a more specific calling (i.e. overseas missions) that is compatable with yours?
12. Kristen had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:17 PM:
Rather on expecting a sign or signal (i.e. a calling), why do we not focus on simply doing God's will? The result is the same - doing what He wants us to do and following His plan for us. What He asks of us is that we believe in and love Christ, our Savior. Everything else - our life choices, our desires, and our experiences - should therefore be in line with our love for Christ.
The very gifted scholar and pastor, John MacArthur, teaches that we know we are following God's will when we are:
1. Saved - recipients of God's grace
2. Sanctified - separated from sin
3. Submissive - yielding to His Word
4. Suffering - understanding our iniquity
5. Spirit-Filled - in union with the Holy Spirit
6. Say Thanks - thankful to God for the sacrifice of His Son
John MacArthur explains that if we keep these easy-to-remember words in mind and when we can confirm that we display these qualities, we can be assured that we are following God's will. And when I follow God's will I know I am fulfilling my calling.
13. Ted Slater had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:22 PM:
kman -- a "calling from God" can come through the Holy Spirit's "still small voice," but more typically is through Scripture and through those around us.
We can get a sense of our "callings" be examining our giftings, though sometimes God calls us to do something we're unprepared to carry out.
We have "callings," though for most of us they are admittedly pretty fuzzy, often only recognized in retrospect....
nikki -- Again, we get a sense of the Lord's callings/leadings/purposes for us through supernatural means, but more often through Scripture and other people. Let's not get hung up on how "still" and "small" the voice of the Holy Spirit is and thereby write off "callings" entirely.
Many people in Scripture were "called" to something even beyond salvation. Paul, for example, was called to be an apostle. So, yes, there are "other kinds of callings" beyond salvation.
Do you believe God has a will for you regarding marriage? Or is He aloof, simply observing how you might choose? I believe God has an opinion, and that it's likely He wants you to enjoy the blessings and responsibilities of marriage. And if so, then wouldn't you consider that a "calling"? Even a "command"? Is such a "command" from God such an awful thing?
14. v@v had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:30 PM:
So, if God has called you to marry, as is most likely the case if that is your desire -- is he required to provide a spouse for you? And, how does that work since, marriage is "promised" to no one? So, what to say to those who are serving God, desiring his will, seeking to marry and ...... (the tumbleweed blows through) ... they are still "alone"? This isn't my case, I'm just guessing from what I read here often, this begs the question. But, I guess, in that instance, you must patiently wait on the Lord, who will "equip" you for his calling -- as he did with Moses, and he does with us. :-)
15. Ted Slater had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:39 PM:
v@v -- good questions. Why are some still "alone" after years of pursuing what they sense as a calling to marriage? In some cases, frankly, they've messed up; they may be able to recover from their mistakes and get married. In *many* other instances, though, it's just a mystery. Why are my friends Ann, Debbie, Jan and Karen still single? I don't know. They're wonderfully loving, godly, insightful, hospitable, deferential women ... but still single after all these years. And that breaks my heart. These women deserve grace and honor, and not blame.
16. Samuel PG had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:39 PM:
It seems to me that there is a certain trend that develops along both lines of the calling issue. Those who have experienced a specific call on their lives tend to expect that to be a normative experience for all Christians, whereas those who have not experienced a specific individual call tend to doubt that anyone experiences such a calling. It has been my experience, through my own life and the lives of many others that I know, that some people live godly, Christ-centered and dedicated lives without ever having had a sense of God personally communicating an individual calling to them while others have similarly lived godly lives in response to having received an individual call. Why do we want so badly for our brothers and sisters to have exactly the same stories as ourselves? I am always reminded of the part in Lewis' "The Horse and His Boy" where Shasta wanted to know what Aslan told Aravis, but Aslan explained that it is her story and not Shasta's to know.
Back to the topic at hand, if a person recognizes a specific calling on their life from God, they can rightly do nothing else but be obedient to that calling specifically, while continuing to live in accordance with the general will of God revealed in Scripture. For a person who has not experienced a calling in that way, perhaps they should ask other believers for input on where they are spiritually gifted, review where their deepest desires and interests lay, what their natural talents are, what doors are opening in their life, and of course ask God to guide them, whether He does so obviously or not.
When people ask me for advice on finding the college that God wants them at, I encourage them to whole-heartedly pray and ask for God's guidance and wisdom in the decision. If they hear directly from Him, they have their answer. If they do not, they should pick the college that seems best to them and trust that because they want God's will that the college they choose is within His will. If a person truly wants God's guidance, I trust that God will provide it, although it may not come in the form of a voice from Heaven.
As for the book, "Decision Making and the Will of God," I understand that it relieves a great deal of pressure for those who constantly worry that they are in God's will but do not hear anything from Him. I find that book to be a good guide in general, but if a person receives a more specific individual call, that should take precedence. (For instance, being a good Christian accountant can easily be a great career for the Kingdom and falls within God's general moral will; but if you are pursuing that despite the fact that you know God has called you to operating inner-city health clinics, it now becomes disobedient and therefore sinful).
17. Samuel PG had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:40 PM:
Ted,
I think it would be an interesting topic if you started a separate discussion about what the people on this blog see as their personal callings, what careers they are pursuing, what they really desire to do with their lives, etc.
18. BDB had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:44 PM:
The OP wrote:
>>Is a "calling to marriage" the same as a "marriage mandate"?<<
One way they are the same is that if a person never lays before the question before God in prayer, they probably won't get a clear answer. It has been my experience that God is more likely to answer an open-ended prayer, such as, "What field should I prepare for?" than a close-ended request like, "Get me into a top-tier law school."
In my own case, I first thought God was leading me into public policy, but all doors were shut following my training. Then I felt nudged into accounting. Well, guess what I'm working on today? A revenue audit from a city - a combination of public policy and accounting. So years later it makes perfect sense - but at the time it required taking a step in faith.
19. BDB had the following to say on Aug 16 at 12:55 PM:
Here's three good books on the issue:
"Is That Really You, God?" by Loren Cunningham
"God's Guidance: Finding his Will for Your Life" by Elisabeth Elliot
"The Making of a Leader" J Robert Clinton
20. v@v had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:00 PM:
When I was applying to colleges I simply said, "Lord, where it's you're will, I want a full scholarship." That prayer changed when I started getting calls from an Ivy League schoool. Then the prayer was "Lord, I'll get into debt, just, please, let me get in THERE!" Well, the Lord didn't answer that latter prayer, but I got a full scholarship to the school that wasn't my first choice but proved to be an amazin blessing.
Once in school I started to panic about what to study, asking, "is this God's will, what if I study the wrong thing", blah, blah. I brought this worry to my Godly aunt who lovingly told me to "snap out of it", that at the end of the Day the Lord uses your preperation for His glory ANYWAY. So I studied what I liked; I'm happy, I don't know where God will take me ultimately, but that's his business and his plan. At least there, I stopped fretting...."it only leads to evil" (pslams)
21. nikki had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:11 PM:
Ted, you said: "Many people in Scripture were "called" to something even beyond salvation. Paul, for example, was called to be an apostle. So, yes, there are "other kinds of callings" beyond salvation.
This is exactly my point. Paul's calling wasn't from Scripture; therefore it was accompanied by an incredibly undeniable, supernatural occurrence: the Road To Damascus Conversion. (Besides, it's not like he was really looking for God's will at that point in his life anyways.)
Any time God wants us to do something other than what he's already told us -- which, as another commenter pointed out, is plenty to work on for this lifetime -- he will make it extremely clear using non-subjective means.
22. BDB had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:11 PM:
Samuel PG wrote:
>>If they hear directly from Him, they have their answer. If they do not, they should pick the college that seems best to them and trust that because they want God's will that the college they choose is within His will. <<
Yes, I agree with this.
In my case, I had a very specific prayer: I asked God to get me into a private college, out of state, and pay for it.
I applied to several schools, including a couple of Ivy League down to my local State University.
What happened is that, out of nowhere, a little liberal arts college in California showed up at my high school and asked to meet with me. I had a pretty cocky attitude. Who are these guys?
Well, I didn't get into the presige schools, and my other choices were pretty thin on financial aid. But this little college offered me a huge scholarship - made it cheaper than attending a state school in my own state.
I was so upset. God had answered my prayer precisely - but in a way I didn't want. It came down to a question of faith: Either God is God or He isn't. I should have been more specific in my prayer - be careful what you ask for. And the test of faith was really - what happens if I walk away from an answer to prayer?
In the end, I did attend that school, and it was life-changing. Graduated in 4 years, too. And I met plenty of Christian professors at both my undergraduate secular school and nearby graduate school to shape the rest of my academic and professional career.
23. Joe had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:20 PM:
"Joe -- does God communicate with His people? I would argue that He does -- through Scripture, through the Holy Spirit's subtle guidance, and through the wise counsel of those around us."
I agree, but I think there is an important distinction to be made between direct and indirect communication. Direct communication or guidance from God is very rare, even within Scripture, whereas indirect communication, such as communication of God's moral will in Scripture, is available to almost all believers. The problem is that words like "call" would imply direct communication in every other context in which they are used.
I think the distinction is important for two major reasons. First, with reference to newer believers, many (myself included, once upon a time) assume from the frequent discussion of callings and guidance that direct communication from God is normative for believers, and that there is something spiritually wrong with those who do not experience it. It takes a fair bit of time and immersion in the Christian culture to understand that that sort of lingo within a certain context means something completely different from the common usage. Second, since direct communication from God is generally abundantly clear, many ignore the fact that indirect communication requires some interpretation on the part of the believer, and that interpretation can be mistaken. A legitimate call from God (in the way of Paul on the road to Damascus) is direct and unmistakable, and demonsrates God's approval of a specific plan. However, many believers try to apply that same unmistakable approval to decisions made on the basis of gifts, emotions, and opportunities, and it is not that simple. A believer claiming that God called them to a road that they do not end up taking is a terrible witness, to fellow believers as well as non-believers.
For those reasons, I think we should be much more careful about our terminology, so as not to confuse others nor tarnish the name of God. The word "call" has a meaning, a direct sort of communication, and applying it liberally to indirect means of communication is dangerous and often misleading.
24. Samuel PG had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:37 PM:
Joe,
A personal, unmistakeable call from God does not necessarily need to include a miraculous event, such as Paul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.
Attending a Christian camp the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school, the speaker gave an altar call one night who felt God calling them to vocational ministry. Although I had thought about such a path once or twice before, at that moment I knew without a doubt that God was calling me in that way. I went forward and later found out that four of my best friends also responded to that call. Five years later, I am in college studying and preparing still for vocational ministry. My four friends that responded that night are all still pursuing the call of vocational ministry. We didn't get knocked of our donkeys, no bright light blinded us, no audible voice from Heaven spoke, but the five of us knew that night that we were each called to the ministry. Half a decade later, those callings have been confirmed through the insight of other believers, through our giftings, through opportunities that have come to us, through our continued pursuit of vocational ministry against statistical odds of altar call responses, and through prophetic word through other Christians (though I recognize that some on here might discount this last evidence).
I agree that such direct revelation from God is not normative, especially in the sense that the vast majority of decisions in my life have not had that kind of guidance. Still, it does happen and it does not necessarily need to be accompanied by miraculous signs.
25. v@v had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:41 PM:
Callings, God's Will, Marriage, Decisions .... sometimes, I just want Jesus to come back -- NOW!
(And he will, I guess, while we're fulfilling the other "call" of making disciples of all nations....)
26. susan kemp had the following to say on Aug 16 at 1:46 PM:
Hey Joe, how should Christians regard "wise counsel?" Is it a sign from God regarding the choice we should make? What if all the wise council one is getting goes against one's personal opinion -- would it be sinful not to follow the counsel?
27. Christina had the following to say on Aug 16 at 2:44 PM:
I think it's good to remember (specific calling or not) that God's sovereign will for His creation is much larger than us and our ability to mess things up.
28. Curtis had the following to say on Aug 16 at 2:46 PM:
It is definitely a sin not to make one's ENTIRE life available to God. If you wholeheartedly study Scripture, your present desires, your past, the advice of appropriate spiritual directors, &c... and you give God permission to lead in all areas of your life, you can't really go astray. You're like a warm ball of wax in His hand. "And who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Take our Lord's example in the garden of Gethsemani. He wasn't praying "Father, if you want me to go to the cross, give me a sign in the next 10 seconds." like we are wont to do, but "Not my will but yours be done".
29. Stephanie had the following to say on Aug 16 at 3:34 PM:
God does still call people dramatically and specifically -- and I don't think we should forget that. HOWEVER he ususally does this (as in the case of Saul) when we are hard-hearted.
If you have ever read the book "The Cross and the Switchblade", Dave Wilkerson explains his experience at the beginning of the book about how he was reading a magazine about some boys on trial for murder, and just started crying and sensing he needed to go to them.
I had an experience like that once, but it was because God needed to get me to do something that I was disinclined to do in and of myself. It was the only way he could have gotten my attention.
30. Jethro had the following to say on Aug 16 at 6:10 PM:
Seems to me like all a Christian has to do is label something their 'calling' and suddenly the decision is beyond reproach from others. Maybe God's not calling you to be a lawyer, it just so happens you got good grades. Maybe God hasn't given you 'a heart' for the underprivileged, it just so happens that like most people you don't like seeing others suffer.
31. BDB had the following to say on Aug 16 at 6:29 PM:
Susan Kemp wrote:
>>What if all the wise council one is getting goes against one's personal opinion -- would it be sinful not to follow the counsel?<<
On the few times that happened to me, I stopped and considered whether they might be right. If the advice from 3-4 mature Christians who know you is the same, and way different than what you want to do, definitely make it a matter of prayer. Go through the Bible and see if it backs up their position.
And make sure you are going to someone who is very successful at whatever it is. For example, if it's a marriage-related question, go ask the question to a Christian who has been married for 50+ years. A financial question, go ask someone who is very disciplined with their finances. (Not the person who seems to spend a lot of money, but someone you know is disciplined.)
If you're in your 20's and asking your friends your own age, not a good idea. Ask someone a generation or two older than you respect and see what the answer is. Those answers have stood the test of time.
32. Jennifer had the following to say on Aug 16 at 7:04 PM:
Does God call people for various purposes and missions? Yes, if we are to go by scriptural examples, interestingly, less so in the New Testament. But there don't seem to be any examples of Him assigning a distinct profession, let alone singleness or marriage to a specific person, other than the Old Testament examples already given (Jeremiah and Hosea & Gomer). Heck, even Mary and Joseph were already promised to each other at the time of the annunciation!
33. Andrew (tlw) had the following to say on Aug 16 at 9:35 PM:
Has anybody else noticed that transposing words into some postings gives a new perspective?
For instance in Ted’s posting, we could ask “why are my friends … [still uncalled?] … they’re wonderfully loving, godly, insightful, hospitable, deferential … but still [uncalled] … after all these years. And that breaks my heart. These … deserve grace and honor, and not blame.”
And again, in Samuel’s posting: “those who [are married] … tend to expect that to be a normative experience for all Christians, whereas those who have not [married] … tend to doubt that [they will be?]
Ok, it’s a bit of a stretch. Maybe I just have too much time on my hands today.
But seriously, Friesen’s book does provide a good basis for lively discussion. I have no doubts that some people experience specific callings, whilst all of us are generally called to a number of things. If you are called to something specific, then obedience is called for.
In many ways, I do wish that I had had (or recognised) a specific calling. You can plan, make decisions and seek counsel as needed, but sometimes our lives turn a lot different to what we might have expected. Perhaps we need a separate blog on personal callings … or the perceived lack thereof.
34. Brittany had the following to say on Aug 16 at 11:31 PM:
WOW, what a time for this post because it's exactly what I've been dealing with. What I am learning about callings is this: we must be active Christians, and as many have said--do His will. When we go where we know He is calling us, then we will be blessed...how do we know--by have an intimate and personal relationship with Christ. Now, I think too often once we get that "initial glimpse" into what we are supposed to do (I suppose this is career linked as far as the perspective from which I write), we set forward with that as the only option and we craft our success and future solely around that. I had pretty much done that. I thought the career (currently Army Officer) was EXACTLY what I was supposed to do for my entire career. I went to school to become one, and I've spent the last 5 1/2 years as one. The basis of my passions in being an officer has been leadership, and I always saw myself working in that arena once I did finally leave the military. But, I assumed due to the constant success I was having that the leaving the military would be 20+ years down the road. However, God is now taking the baseline of what I have a passion for, and what He has given me incredible training in as an officer, and showing me now how I should move forward in order to better use it for His kingdom. I have not been wrong in where I have been. I have been exactly where He wanted me. I have been struggling with the concept of moving on because I have success where I am, and have a high probability for future success. BUT, this I know...if I can see where God is leading me, and I put it off for my own selfish ambitions, the glory and accolades that could follow, then I will not be serving His kingdom and favor I have enjoyed is likely to fade. My future has a lot of "unknowns" and it will be a risk in this next year as I enter the transition to something new...but I would much rather take that risk down His path, than to head down my own thinking I am in control. Interestingly enough, what helped me see where God was pushing was a great sermon by one of our Chaplains about Mary. God moved mightily in her; He literally birthed a world changer in her. Why was she picked for it, what did she have to allow God to do:
1. She was in the right position with God first
2. She didn't balk when God interupted "her" plans (to be married before getting pregnant, and in her day, wow!)
3. She drew even closer into an intimate relationship with God after He planted the WorldChanger seed in her.
I had my plans--they were based on His plans, but I had somewhat assumed the position of the hand painting the picture instead of the brush. The good thing is, I was still seeking Him for more clarification, for drawing closer, and in that, He continues to show me more of what the next step is. It truly interupts "my plans" but that is fine, I want to yield to His calling, His plans, even if it is the unknown. Seek Him, make plans, pursue your calling, but do not root yourself so deeply into the initial picture...God is never done with us. Let Him be the painter, and you be the brush. I assure you the picture will come out best that way. I have lots of unknowns ahead, but I have a vision He has planted in me and I am excited and confident in that!
35. Sarah had the following to say on Aug 17 at 11:13 AM:
I can’t help but wonder if sometimes we sometimes confuse “callings” with “leadings”. I think God definitely has a “calling” on each of our lives, but I think that falls in the categories (for lack of a better word) such as leaders, teachers (of the Word), prayer warriors, etc (Ephesians 4:11). Then, our callings are put into action in our present circumstances. I work in law, do I feel “called” to work in law? No, but I feel this is the direction that the Lord has for me at this time and I try to apply the giftings and callings that He has for my life in this venue at this time.
I know there has been question as to whether God calls a person or gives specific instruction and if He does, it’s rare. I have had the opportunity to not only see God do exactly that, but I’ve lived it too.
Seven years ago, my parents felt God speak to them to move from a relatively small city in Iowa to south Florida. God spoke first through a dream, and then through other members of our church. Because of the magnitude of what my parents felt God was “leading” them to do (sell our home, my dad to quit his job, leave our hometown/”comfort zone”, moving 6 kids, many of which were still in school), my parents were seeking Him intensely to know that they were hearing Him correctly, through much prayer and fasting and of course relying also on Scripture. God laid it on my dad’s heart to throughly look at the life of Abraham, the part that God zeroed in on was when Abraham was “called” to leave his father’s tent and look for a city who’s builder and maker was the Lord. They believed God was leading them to move to Florida in largely because my dad has the gifting/calling to be a teacher of the Word. There was a small home church that was really struggling and they believed that God was leading them to move so my parents could help to further the work of God, especially with this church. (I can honestly say we weren’t at all attracted what Florida is and has to offer on a natural level, i.e. sun, beaches)(my dad can be quoted as telling someone prior to God speaking to move, that one of the last places he’d ever want to live is in Florida)
Long story short, we sold our home, quit jobs and had only the Lord as our provider (no house, no job, nothing). It was the most trying things we’ve ever experienced (to date), yet there is no doubt in any of our minds that God directly “lead” us here for His purpose and plan. He was and has been, amazingly faithful through the entire process! He spoke through dreams, scripture, the still small voice that was recognized through prayer and fasting and then required a step of faith.
I think God speaking specifically is more of an exception than the norm, but I do believe He does that. Not only is that my opinion, but it’s also been my experience.
36. Ted Slater had the following to say on Aug 17 at 3:09 PM:
Sarah -- you posed the following: "I can’t help but wonder if sometimes we sometimes confuse 'callings' with 'leadings.'"
I guess I'd be one of those, as I'm not really sure what the difference is. In both cases, God is communicating His will to us, and we respond with either obedience (preparation, pursuit) or disobedience (laziness, status quo). Maybe that's why there seems to be some confusion and disagreement with what I wrote above.
My general question is this: If God communicates His will through Scripture, wise counsel, and the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit (I might add "our circumstances" to this list), how should we respond? And if we sense His will regarding us, should we consider that a "command" from Him?
I really don't know of any evidence from Scripture that there's a meaningful difference between "calling" and "leading." Is there?
37. M-UH had the following to say on Aug 17 at 9:20 PM:
Since not following a calling isn't directly called a sin in Scripture, let's look at a scenario as mentioned. In most of your examples, people did not follow their calling because of selfishness, laziness, or no fear of God. These are specifically addressed. So in these situations, I think it is obvious what the answer is based on Scripture
38. Melissa had the following to say on Aug 17 at 11:28 PM:
I don't have any problem with the term "calling." If one is listening to God (following in His will), couldn't His whispers to "go in that direction" or "stop there" revealed in Scripture and/or conviction through the Holy Spirit be called a "calling," for it is God who bids us to act upon His words? If Person A, for example, enjoys tutoring children in math, and God opens doors to certification for teaching, couldn't Person A be called to serve as a math teacher? I don't see why that's not possible. God isn't limited to using one way of getting our attention (though I feel I need the thunder and rain type sign from time to time when my head is particularly thick and stubborn).
As to the question of ignoring a "calling" or the "voice of the Spirit" as being a sin, I was mulling that over for a while. But the answer must be rather simple: If sin is acting outside or against God's will, ignoring His will isn't following it and must, therefore, be sin. If anyone sees something to this I'm missing in this thinking, please point out my error.
39. Jennifer had the following to say on Aug 18 at 5:40 PM:
Wow. There is so much that could be said about God's plan for our lives. Isn't that what having a calling is? Knowing that God planned to use us for His purpose in this world? That he has gifted us for his will? Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Verses 12-13 go on to say, "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I would love to say that I know God's calling for my life, but so far He has only given me glimpses. I wonder how many of us will ever really know the impact of our lives and corresponding actions? Look at Naomi, she never got the chance to learn that she would be in the lineage of Jesus. How about Esther? Isn't that a shining example of how God prepares us for the day and time, but He still gives us the opportunity to chose to take it. We must learn to walk in faith knowing despite our human fears and human inadequacies He will keep us in His will as long as we seek Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. If we come to God He will remove the desires in our heart that are not from Him or outside of His will. I am not married. God hasn't yet revealed to me if this is in His plan for my life, but it doesn't stop me from learning how to be a loving partner to my future spouse...and in the meantime I've used these new skills to be a better person. I continue to seek God's plan for my life and when the desire to marry grows too strong, at times it does, I stop what I'm doing and seek His guidence. Psalms 37:23, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with this hand." I really believe God had a calling on my life even before I asked Him into my life. I can see in hind sight how he shaped my life leading up to the moment I invited Him into my life. I have trust that He will continue to do so even when it isn't clear to me. We must entrust everything to our Lord; our lives, occupations, families, possessions, etc., and when we do it is amazing how God uses us!
40. Sarah had the following to say on Aug 18 at 8:47 PM:
Ted -- After doing some research in Scripture, I think there may be a difference between “calling” and “leading”.
It seems that God “calls” people to what would be considered a ministry or vocation. Just as Paul was “called” to be an apostle. That same word for “called” in the Greek is used several times throughout the NT in the same sense.
Several people have commented on Denise’s blog “A General Calling” that they think a calling is much like a vocation. Something they’ve felt that they were supposed to do or be part of, even from a young age. It would seem that if someone is gifted with certain skills, to where it would help them to excel in a certain profession, it would be their calling to work in that field.
Of course, first and foremost, we are all called to be sons (and daughters) of God. God created each of us with a specific plan for our life,as well as being a part of the body of Christ; but also having our own role in that body.
Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ
Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”
1Co 7:20 “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”
Timothy spoke about his calling: 2Ti 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
I think that it’s through God’s leading that we become stronger in fulfilling our calling.
Romans 8:14 states: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
If we believe we’re sons and daughters of God, it’s imperative that we’re lead by His Spirit. That’s the purpose of the Holy Ghost, to guide/lead us into truth. I think it’s as we’re lead by the Holy Spirit we perfect our callings. As we learn to hear and obey the still small voice, it brings a change in our spiritual state, and can have an impact on our natural set of circumstances.
The leading may be as simple as taking a job at a particular CPA firm for the purpose of witnessing to a particular group of people there, while fulfilling your calling as an accountant. Or, it may be as major as moving to a different continent to share the gospel with a certain tribe, while fulfilling your calling has a missionary.
I think a good example of that is Esther, and how the calling on her life was to the king’s palace to save the Jews. After prayer and fasting and I believe the Lord’s leading, she approached the throne. The interesting thing, Mordecai advised her that if she held her peace, the deliverance for the Jews would come from another place. (Esther 4:14) She was called for that purpose, but had the choice to not fulfill her calling.
As to the question “if we sense His will regarding us, should we consider that a "command" from Him?” I don’t know if it would be a command, so much as a request; since we have the ability to exercise free will. If you are commanded to do something, you usually don’t have a choice whether or not you will comply. By choosing not to comply though, we could suffer drastic consequences such as Jonah or maybe only miss any blessing He had for us, as a direct result of obeying.
41. jessica had the following to say on Aug 20 at 10:42 AM:
"Calling"...to tell you that I know what it means - yes, but to explain how I interpret God's calling on MY life - it proves a bit difficult. All I can say is that I have an uncanny peace - let me explain: all my life I have wanted to be a doctor, a paediatrician to be exact, however my life's journey thus far has seemingly taken me anywhere but close to realising that dream. But you know what - I don't feel harried, I don't feel stressed, 'cause I am convinced that the 'call' on my life includes where I am now study-wise and job-wise. People ask me 'Why are you studying Dietetics when you want to do medicine?' and 'Why don't you just start the medical degree?'
I can identify with Brittany's and v@v's respective posts on Aug 16 - sometimes it's about just letting go of all that you had outlined in your life for yourself and trust God to lead - even though it means stepping into unchartered territory, and launching out into the unknown.
I believe that's the biggest fear for us as human beings - the unknown. Having the power to choose for ourselves is most times the largest impediment to God working in our lives, hence knowing our calling. We always like to know where we are headed, how soon we'd be there, what are the stops along the way etc etc.
The unknown is one of my greatest fears admittedly, but learning to wholeheartedly trust in God's provision and awesome wisdom helps me to grow. To trust even when my actions seem completely opposite to what I should be doing as far as human wisdom is concerned. Thereinlies the basis of our faith, and ultimately knowing His will for our lives.
Grace and peace