And yet, and yet…

I was thinking the other day on the nature of Calling. Ministry certainly leans heavily into the idea, but it’s not just there. I hear often of teachers or coaches or counselors or artists leaning into what they perceive is their Calling, and in fact thus we get the word for a career of vocation.

What is it about the idea of Calling that is so compelling to us? Why does it pull on the deepest emotions of our hearts that we would sacrifice other things and commit the trajectory of life to that Calling? What’s in a Call?

Calling gives certain unique gifts to the individual.

It gives a Purpose outside of oneself. A Calling does not self-generate, but rather is always received from the outside. There is tremendous comfort in knowing that we’re not following a treasure map we made up ourselves. For the Calling, there is a knowing cultivation of the path of life, and that path leading to a destination with purpose. In a world so abhorrent to the idea of commitment, the purpose embedded in Calling is refreshing. It moves us with conviction forward.

Calling demonstrates a deep Knowing of the one called. A Calling is not randomly given, but is purposely given knowing the heart, spirit, and giftings of the individual. We yearn to be known. We can struggle even sometimes to know ourselves. But when a person receives a Calling, we perceive that we are known by Another better than we know ourselves. That clarity of meaning makes a tremendous difference to the heart that desires to be known.

Calling assures us that we Belong. A person with a Calling belongs as part of a group, as a part of a mission. It gives footprints to follow that we can match. It demonstrates that beyond being known, we are wanted, we are needed. The world is a lonely and chaotic place; a Calling beckons us to the places we were always meant to be. But beyond just being there, we are there for a reason. And that reason brings joy to the community. Belonging isn’t just being given a space to occupy; belonging inserts a person as a pillar of that group, one upon which others depend.

Calling Inflames us. Beyond just showing up to do a job, it lights an unquenchable fire in our spirit that burns regardless of the circumstances. It ensures that we cannot be satisfied or content following other paths, but it empowers us to serve with ferocity. Calling isn’t safe or comforting, it is empowering. It gives us identity alongside the One who Calls. When a person is able to function within their Calling, it is as though they burn wild and free.

So, friend, what is your Calling? What is it that gives you Purpose, Knowing, Belonging, and a Fire Within?

Maybe our job is less to persuade ourselves of these things, and more to listen to the One Calling.