The Called Life

     When I graduated from seminary in 2004, I was instructed to "seek a call" (AKA find a job as a pastor in a congregation). For the life of me, all I could think about was getting a literal phone call from a congregation, extending a job offer to me. As a young dad, I was concerned with the practical aspects of my calling (finding work, supporting my family).

     A calling from God is bigger than these practical concerns. And callings from God are not limited to pastors. We all have a calling from God to use his grace in our lives "for the work of ministry" in the Church (Ephesians 4:12). Some of us are gifted to be teachers. Some of us are wired to be effective care-givers. Some of us have gifts of administration. All of these gifts help to "build up" the Body of Christ.

     We also have a calling to take the Gospel message into the world using the gifts that God has given to us. This can happen in many ways.

     A friend of mine has been called to bear witness to Christ in the world of fashion modeling. The world of fashion is full of challenges, mostly centering on the theme of sexuality. These are physically beautiful people -- the most beautiful people in the world -- and this work culture is replete with temptations and vices. But despite these temptations, this individual feels called to model the Christian life in the midst of this culture.

     Others may find themselves in the academic world, or the business world, or the food-service industry. It makes no difference what you "do" as a vocation, it can also be viewed as a calling from God, and not merely as a paycheck.

     Whatever graces we have been given, may you discover them and use them to honor the calling that God has placed upon your life. May God say of your life, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)