One of the things I struggle with pretty often is trying to figure out my calling in life. It seems pretty easy for me to look at other people’s lives and see their calling. It’s also pretty easy to look at peopled “called” into the ministry to identify and put some meat on their “calling.” Defining this term is very hard for me.
I went to law school for some selfish reasons. The main reason, believe it or not, was not for the money. I wanted to go to law school so that I would have the education and training I needed so that I could start a business on my own and not have to rely on a large company (or any size company for that matter) to take care of me. That kind of reliance was very risky to me. I was working with a very large engineering design and construction firm who was going through a downturn in the market and laying off hundreds of people from our office. That scared me and I didn’t want to live that life. I wanted freedom to work for myself. Well, I’m not really doing that now – in fact, I work for a small law firm; however, the business plan is ready and I could start my own practice at the drop of a hat if the bottom fell out of the business I am in right now. I guess that’s the freedom I was looking for.
I don’t feel like the broad generality of “practicing law” is a calling at all, and I don’t think that the areas of law that I practice in are my true calling either. I really don’t like one of my practice areas. But, practicing law does allow me to make a good living and earn money so that I can give back to my church and community. Is that a calling? While I am still working through determining what my calling is and how my day-to-day work contributes to it, I am keeping a few scriptures in mind.
The first is Ecclesiastes 9: 10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” and Colossians 3: 23-25, “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”.
I know that I am right here right now for a reason, even if it doesn’t feel like a true extension of my calling. However, I am called to work with all of my heart because I am doing a work for the Lord.
In my opinion, it is extremely important that your work match up with your calling so that you can be totally fulfilled, and because it is important to worship God in all that you do. When you match up your calling with your job, you are able to worship through your work.
[...] recently wrote a post about finding your calling in life and doing it with excellence. I think I pointed out that I felt like everyone has a calling in life – not just people who are [...]
I read the post, and my first thought was that I have heard this story before. Many times. Even out of my own mouth.
There is no doubt in my mind that many believers are trapped in this earnest search for their calling. I believe that it is a very well designed formula to paralyse people. The ideas of purpose and calling are continuously sold from many pulpits by well meaning, but ignorant or manipulating preachers around the globe. It is a known fact that the biggest congregations are on a strict diet of this.
Our purpose is simple – We were made to love God and our neighbours. Period. Nothing more, but also nothing more powerful. This love makes us sensitive to the needs of those around us, motivating us to respond to those needs as we are able to.
Our “calling” is to witness with wisdom and insight where there is a need, not to buy the biggest tent to hold a revival rally (which has caused tremendous damage to the integrity of the body of Christ). To clothe those who are naked. To feed those who are hungry. To support those who are distraught etc. These things are normally done most effectively when God places them in front of us unexpectedly.
To seek for a higher meaning is in my opinion simply spiritual ambition, that seek to feed the believer’s needs for recognition and praise.
Sure, every generation has individuals that accomplish things that attract attention. The bible is full of them – Abraham, Daniel, Job, King David etc. If you fall in this category that is fine. But you probably don’t. My advice is that you enjoy the process of living, making good choices in every situation that will glorify God and be to the advantage of your fellow man. God uses all of us, but according to His wisdom.
God bless you for this. I am a baby lawyer myself, experiencing the same thoughts. It is difficult since as professionals we are deemed to “have it all figured out” or “have it made.”
Beloved the question of your calling is very simple : what is in your heart? God has already put what he created to be in your heart. What is it that you See yourself doing for God & loving it exceedingly above all other things that you do for him? That is your calling. Note : as u follow this love in your heart thru which u serve him: his purpose for your life your life will become clearer & clearer. Note: you may try to run from ur calling : but u will only be miserable all ur life & unfullfilled until u accept God’s purpose for ur life . Jesus knew His calling: He said” FOR THIS PURPOSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD , TO GIVE MY LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY”.
Here is a fantastic little book that I have read when I was having those same questions you are struggling with, that will give you answers! It was recommended by the White Horse Inn (and Modern Reformation magazine). I highly recommend it! May God bless you with his grace.
http://www.monergismbooks.com/God-at-Work-Your-Christian-Vocation-in-All-of-Life-p-16217.html
To those who happen upon this blog. I agree with Danie above, and would add the following…
It’s all about His glory, not about us. Sometimes in our selfish ways we feel that we need to matter, in order to have that sense of fulfillment (my life, success, etc.).
I found that when we prepare ourselves (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 2:20-21) like that football player that might get called in to play in a game, then God will put situations in front of us where we can be used. Our fulfillment is secondary to the accomplishment of His will. It helps in our prayer to Him that we ask, “How can I glorify you today Lord?”, and resolve to be dedicated only to Him, holy and set apart.
His Spirit will leads us, and at times, while we are being trained to be led, He does reveal parts of His plan for our lives. (2 Corinthians 8:12)
There is great peace in knowing that God is the worker (through us), and not that we have to manufacture a work… just as a branch naturally bears fruit, if it is abiding in the vine. (John 15:4-5)
May God bless you (reader) on your path and ever increase your wisdom and knowledge of Him.
1 Peter 3:15
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
2 Timothy 2:20-21
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
John 15:4-5
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.