The Concept of Calling

October 30, 2007

Lar,

Al Mohler summarizes a book called The Listening Heart by A.J. Conyers. Naturally, his post is worth reading. I know I say that about every Mohler post I link to, but I would urge everyone to check this one out in particular. For the day and age we live in is not one that encourages the concept of calling. After all, to speak of calling demands talk of a Caller. And not to many people want to engage in such a discussion today.

Yet surely we are all the poorer for it. For the Caller Himself has given each us gift for the good of one another and the glory of His name. And, as Mohler points out, to fully appreciate and utilize those gifts requires community–and in particular, the community of faith. We serve one another well when we learn how to recognize each other’s strengths and desires and in turn, point one another in the right direction. Vocation. Calling. How many 18-21 year olds have no idea what they want to do with their lives? No need to answer, because the number is staggering. Well, we aren’t serving them well by talking about ‘what they want to do with their lives.’ Sure, desire is a part of it. But desire is usually an indication of divine call. And we need to help them see desire in its proper context.

Sadly, there is too much confusion today over the topic of calling or vocation. People wander from job to job, because they just can’t figure out what the Lord has called and equipped them to do. The Church is the place where they ought to find help. And sadly, there seems to be as much confusion in the church as there is everywhere else.

So Lar, let us labor to put flesh on our understanding of vocation. It will serve both ourselves and many others very well.

Seeking Him with you,
Joe

Posted by Joe | Filed Under Links, Seeking Him