I'm not sure what to think of the whole idea of receiving a calling to an occupation. One time I took some decent photos and someone remarked that they think I had found my calling, and it wasn't said tongue in cheek. I guess they didn't see the equal number of rubbish photos that I took.
Last year was my first year of teaching and I was thinking that this was what I wanted to do for my career (some might say this is a calling). However by the end of the year I was second guessing myself as to why I wanted to teach. Do you think God would call you to do something you didn't enjoy doing?? I tend to think not. However I'm not suggesting that it's supposed to be all roses, everything should have it's struggles.
Going into the ministry I believe is different. Embarking on this venture requires alot of conviction, a calling if you like. You have got to have conviction because it's no money making career move. It is not an occupation to be taken lightly, like some of us do with our regular jobs, like I possibly did with my teaching last year.
Last year was my first year of teaching and I was thinking that this was what I wanted to do for my career (some might say this is a calling). However by the end of the year I was second guessing myself as to why I wanted to teach. Do you think God would call you to do something you didn't enjoy doing?? I tend to think not. However I'm not suggesting that it's supposed to be all roses, everything should have it's struggles.
Going into the ministry I believe is different. Embarking on this venture requires alot of conviction, a calling if you like. You have got to have conviction because it's no money making career move. It is not an occupation to be taken lightly, like some of us do with our regular jobs, like I possibly did with my teaching last year.
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Hey Tim,
This is an interesting question... I'm not aware of anywhere in the Bible where the concept of Christians being 'called' is promoted.
To balance, Christians are called to be many things (loving, obedient, etc), but I don't see anywhere about being called to a career, or even a ministry.
Interesting that it's not mentioned in the bible because I have heard of the concept from a few different people. Such as, the question might be asked, "What do you feel is your calling?"
The problem with following feelings is that 1) they're rarely stable, and 2) they can be used to justify foolish choices...
Certainly being a minister is different to a regular job because of the importance of the message delivered. Promotion of this message requires great understanding and a commitment to the extent of a transformed life. So I think this may require a particular type of conviction and commitment over and above that required of other professions generally. I find it strange when I hear Christians say things like, "You know, I'm failing all my subjects at school; maybe God is telling me to go into the ministry." Rather, it seems their grades are telling them they're failing at school!
My view (I don't know how I could back this up biblically) is that God gives us all abilities and interests, and this may be one way He directs us into certain lines of work. I agree that Christians are save and called to live a holy life in whatever they are doing (1 Corinthians 10:31).
I can think of Jonah as an Old Testament example of someone who was obviously called by God to preach repentance to Nineveh, but was disobedient. However, off the top of my head, I wouldn't know how to apply this to a modern situation.
As Joel said, I think the Christian idea of 'your calling' is based on a strength of feeling. You might feel enthusiastic about doing a particular job, and hence feel 'called' to do it, but it might not be a wise or particularly godly decision.
I think the concept of 'your calling' is probably inferred from the idea that the Lord God is sovereign over everything, and that His will governs the creation. God does know all that you will do for the rest of your earthly life - but, it sounds more Biblical (and safer) to me to be godly in your decision-making rather than seek after a feeling of rightness or 'calling' in what you're doing.
Interesting that you say that God might not want you to do something you didn't enjoy - I reckon He might. I can think of certain missios who have been/are in very difficult areas and had a lot of stress placed on their families: it can't be all bad, of course, but their motivation is for the gospel and not their own enjoyment. Does this motivation apply to our secular work? I'd say probably...?
Having said all that, I feel like I'm in the same boat as you with respect to career - does God want me to be a psychologist, or should I change and look at something else? It's not easy!
Just curious. If there are missios who are very stressed and perhaps not enjoying their vocation, are they still able to profess the gospel with conviction.
An example close to me is that I enjoy AFL, obviously. To try and convert league fans, or just get them to come to a game, is hard but I enjoy it and that is conveyed in my conviction.
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