Dear Dr. B,
What do you do when you wonder, “What is my purpose? Why am I here?” I see friends and acquaintances doing such amazing things with their life, but I’m not exactly sure what my calling is. How do I know?
Sincerely,
Questioning my Calling
Dear Called,
As I thought about your question and how best to respond, it seemed that on the one hand, the answer is so simple, while on the other hand, the answer is so complex.
God, the creator of the universe, doesn’t really need us.
Acts 17:24-25 explains that, “The God who made the world and everything in it…is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything.”
Colossians 1:16 explains, “All things were created by Him and for Him.”
Fundamentally, we were created for fellowship with God and others.
“And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a help meet for him…And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where are thou?” (Genesis 2:18, 3:8-9)
At the same time, God gave each of us an individual calling, each different than another’s. Together we are different parts all necessary for the whole to work optimally together:
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:4-8)
It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others, notice what they are doing, and find ourselves feeling insignificant in comparison.
I have found, however, that when we compare ourselves, our gifts and talents, and our accomplishments, to others, we will never measure up. Because God didn’t create us with the same gifts and talents of another. He has given to each of us special gifts that only we can fulfill.
Each of us is called to do something in and for the kingdom of God. For some it might be leading a Fortune 500 company with godly character and biblical principles.
For others, it might mean caring for children in the nursery so their parents can grow in the Lord in Sunday morning worship services. Others open their home and share their testimony with hurting neighbors over a cup of coffee.
Ultimately, your life’s purpose is to give God glory!
Revelation 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
You can only do that by being you and doing only what He asks of you.
How are you living your purpose and calling today? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
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Yes! I pray to give God the honor and glory through all that I do! Thank you for sharing!
What a great response to that question! We are all unique and I love that detail, so we should embrace it and glorify in it!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#TuneinThursday
Comparing is so easy to do in this world, but I try not to. I gotta be me! I was created for a purpose.
So true, whatever gives Him glory is what we ultimately want. Love how He guides us toward that, even when we’re wholly unaware. He’s such a good God. 🙂 — Congrats for winning the #ChasingCommunity drawing this week! 🙂 ((hug))
I love that God gives us things to do within the way that He made us! So often I think we can get caught up in comparing ourselves to others’ callings as you mentioned, or thinking that it must be really complicated to figure out. Often times if we look at the things we really love, we will find a powerful God-given purpose! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t always come over to your house and play but when I do I am always grateful!
Oh my, trying to bring my purpose and calling into a sentence or two may be a challenge. Over the years I have determined that my gifts are service, mercy and encouragement. I have operated in all the gifts at one time or another but these are the ones I operate in mainly. I believe I am fulfilling my calling as child of God, daughter of the MOST HIGH, wife, mom, Mimi and friend. I serve in prayer ministry with Charley and we serve together as Mama and Papa to many spiritually adopted children and grandchildren. We help as the Lord leads as people call us for wisdom in the trials of their life like fear, anxiety, stress, divorce or just challenging relationships. Friends just drop by for hugs, one spiritually adopted daughter just dropped in last night for hugs and to tell us what is happening in her life and how she is healing from some depression and anxiety. I’m sure you can see a pattern here and condense all this down into a few main purposes and my calling but this pretty much says what the Lord has me doing and how He has worked in and through me for years. Thank you for this message!! Means so much!!
Karen, you have a real ministry there. While you aren’t up on a big stage preaching the gospel, I think in many ways your ministry is even more far reaching.