Finding your calling
A 2013 article in Christianity Today carried the title Discover Your God-Given Calling in which author Julia Mateer writes,
"As a therapist and women's ministry leader, I'm often asked, "How do I know what my calling is?" Answering this profound and life-altering question sets the trajectory of your life toward the adventure God has for you. It is my belief that once you know your passion, you will know your calling."
Compare this to the quotes from three wildly successful leaders. What do they have in common?
Elon Musk
People should pursue what they're passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.
Warren Buffet
You follow your passions. You find something you love.
Steve Jobs
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Did you know?
There are at least 51 uses of the word “calling” in the New Testament. Forty-six refer to becoming a Christian (e.g. Rom. 1:7), and four to living a holy or peaceful life (e.g. 1 Pet. 1:15). In just one case (1 Cor. 7:20), it’s used to speak of the station to which we have been appointed. So let’s dig into that!
Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
Questions from 1 Corinthians
How do you understand Paul’s rule in all the churches (v.17; which includes us)?
Think of five aspects of your life
You had no say over. (eg. your parents, your eye color)
You made a conscious decision for. (eg. your major, your clothes)
Had an element of both the above.
What does God’s sovereignty mean to you?
Explain the significance of circumcision and how it distinguishes people.
How well does bond-servitude reflect the values of our world today?
Why did Paul chose to use the examples of circumcision and slavery to explain what Christians are to do?
Based on this passage, what distinguishes people and gives them value before God?
Is Paul advocating an attitude of “resigning to our fate”?
What changes to your life would have to be made if Paul were to now say this is no longer applicable?
