We are encouraged in the scriptures to fulfill our calling. I believe that there is a collective calling for communities of faith, but also individual callings. For many of us, the issue of personal calling is a stressful one. Many people are unsure as to what they've been called by God to do. The question is often raised when we find ourselves unfulfilled in certain areas (career, church life, personal motivation). It also comes up when we are ready to go to the next level and really make an impact. I've learned that if I'm gonna ask someone what their calling is, I probably should shut off my phone and prepare for an hour conversation. The issue of calling is a tough one.
At this point in my life and ministry, I've discovered that calling is definitely connected to gifting. Obviously, if you can sing, there is a good chance you have been called to some sort of music ministry whether that be leading worship, writing songs, training other singers or something similar. It happens often that once a person has found their gifting, their calling isn't too far behind. Again, this isn't completely true for everyone. But we do know that your calling has some natural connection to the gifts that God has placed in you. So if you are struggling with your calling, ask yourself 'what are my gifts'? (And be sure to ask someone else who knows you and will be honest with you...it is clear that many who audition for American Idol missed that crucial conversation.) As you discover your gifts (aka your strengths), you will usually find your calling soon after.
For many, this connection of calling and gifts is nothing new. But i do not believe it stops there...
In some respects, the relationship of calling to gifting is the easy part. Most people enjoy working in their areas of gifting. It's where they feel strong and most alive. Again, the question of calling usually comes up when we are not working in our areas of strength. And if all it takes to get to our callings is to find a way to do what we are gifted to do, then discovering one's calling shouldn't be too difficult. But we all know that calling is not that simple...or the most gifted and talented people, who are aware of their gifts and serving the kingdom through their talents should have the deepest understanding of their callings. That is obviously not the case. Calling is not just about your gifting, it is also about your responsibility.
While discovering your gifts is primary to calling, I believe that realizing your responsibility is necessary to your calling. The responsibility factor gives the reason and the context for the gifting. It is the harder, less palatable part of the calling. While most of us feel strong in our giftings, responsibilities often leave us feeling weak. So the gifted singer who has a child is just as much called to be a parent as they are called to be a worship leader. Even if she feels like a great singer and an awful parent, her calling includes both. So for those who are trying to figure out where they are called, I would also add this question, 'what are my God-given responsibilities'?
Few people sign up for responsibilities as they can feel limiting (like wanting a license but not wanting to pay for insurance). However, the two cannot be separated. The giftings produce confidence in us, and the responsibilities produce character. The responsibilities keep the giftings in check so that we are always reminded that the calling is not all about us. Giftings help us embrace who we really are, but responsibilities lead us to the end of ourselves. Giftings help us celebrate what God has already done in us, and responsibilities keep us open to what God wants to continue doing (in us, through us, and for us).
If you are struggling to find your calling, maybe the problem is not connected to your gifting. I know too many folks who know what their gifts are, but have not stepped up to their callings because of the responsibilities associated. My advice...do yourself a favor and face the fact that calling = giftings + responsibilities. Fulfill your calling...
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