What Does the Bible Say About Calling?
What Does the Bible Say About Calling?
When we think about "calling," many of us might imagine a special task or mission that God has given us to do. It’s a term that often appears in the Bible, and understanding it can help us live a life aligned with God’s purpose.
Whether you’re looking for clarity in your own life or simply curious about what the Bible teaches on the subject, you’re not alone in seeking deeper meaning.
There are many Biblical examples of ‘Calling’. For example:
1. Moses (Exodus 3:1-12)
• God calls Moses through the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
2. Esther (Esther 4:14)
• Esther is called to save the Jewish people, with Mordecai reminding her that she was placed in her position "for such a time as this."
• God calls young Samuel while he is sleeping, showing that even the young have divine purposes.
4. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
• Nehemiah feels a burden to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and rallies the people to help.
• Isaiah responds to God’s call with, “Here am I, send me.”
6. Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3)
• God calls Jonah to preach to Nineveh, but Jonah initially resists.
7. Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
• Mary accepts the divine calling to bear and raise Jesus, despite the challenges.
The Meaning and Origin of Calling
The word "calling" comes from the Old English word "cealdian", meaning to summon or call forth. It’s closely linked to the idea of being chosen for a specific purpose. In the Bible, the term "calling" is often used to describe God's invitation for people to follow Him, serve Him, and participate in His plans for the world. It's not just about a career or occupation—it’s a divine invitation to live a life that brings honor to God.
The Bible teaches that every believer has a calling. It’s a call to salvation but also a call to serve, to live in a way that reflects God's love and character to the world. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:9 that God "hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling." This shows us that our calling goes beyond what we do—it’s about who we are and how we live in relationship with God.
God's Call to Salvation
The first and most important calling we receive from God is the call to salvation. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges believers to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." This calling to salvation is God’s gift, inviting us to embrace faith in Jesus Christ and accept the grace He offers. It’s a call that leads to eternal life and an intimate relationship with God.
Jesus also invited people to follow Him, to leave behind their old ways of life and take up His new way. In Matthew 4:19, He called Peter and Andrew, saying, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." This call to follow Jesus is still extended to us today.
A Call to Serve Others
Once we accept God's call to salvation, we are also called to serve others. Throughout the Bible, we see how God uses His people to impact the world. Jesus Himself set the example by serving others. In Mark 10:45, He says, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." Our calling involves serving those around us, showing kindness, and helping those in need.
Mother Teresa is an inspiring example of a call to serve others. Born in Albania, she felt a deep calling to serve the poor and the sick from a young age. In 1948, she moved to the slums of Calcutta, India, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity. There, she dedicated her life to caring for the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying, showing God's love through her actions.
Mother Teresa once said, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Her life was a living testimony of the call to serve others, putting the needs of the most vulnerable above her own. She taught us that serving others, especially the forgotten and suffering, is a way to honor God and live out His love.
In 1 Peter 4:10, it says, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." This reminds us that we are all equipped with unique talents and abilities, not for our own benefit, but to help and serve others. Serving others is an essential part of fulfilling our calling.
A Call to Live for God's Glory
Another aspect of our calling is living for God's glory. The Bible teaches us that everything we do should reflect God's greatness and bring honor to His name. A powerful example of this is the transformation of Paul, formerly known as Saul. Before his conversion, he actively persecuted Christians. However, after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4), his life was completely changed. From that moment on, Paul lived solely for the glory of God. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” His life shows how we are all called to live for God’s glory, no matter our past.
When we live with the intention of honoring God in all things, we find purpose and fulfillment. Our work, our relationships, and even the smallest tasks can be acts of worship when done with the right heart. This is what it means to live out the calling God has placed on our lives.
Finding Your Calling
If you’re unsure about your specific calling, remember that it’s a journey. The Bible encourages us to seek God’s guidance and trust in His timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." As we grow in our relationship with God and seek His will, He will reveal His calling for us step by step.
If you're looking for resources to help you dive deeper into God's Word and understand your calling more clearly, we have a few tools that might help. Our Bible Study Club offers a guided study experience to help you grow in faith and discover God's purpose for your life. Additionally, our Bible Study Toolkit and Bible Study Planner are designed to support your spiritual growth and help you make Bible study a consistent part of your life.
Conclusion: Living Out Your Calling
Your calling is a divine invitation from God to live a life full of purpose, service, and faith. It’s not just about what you do for a living, but how you live your life to reflect God’s love and glory. Whether you are called to serve in your family, community, or workplace, know that every believer has a special purpose in God’s plan. As you continue to seek Him, trust that He will guide you in fulfilling the unique calling He has placed on your life.
If you are eager to grow in your faith and understand your calling better, take a moment to explore our resources and deepen your connection with God through Bible study. You are not alone on this journey, and God’s calling is waiting for you to answer.
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