FAITH & CULTURE PROJECT: What Is My Calling? Knowing God’s Will for Your Vocation

What Is Calling?

“Learn . . . learn the motions of the mind, why you are made, for what you are design'd, and the great moral end of human kind. Study thyself, what rank, or what degree the wise Creator has ordain'd for thee: and all the offices of that estate perform, and with thy prudence guide thy fate.” —

The term “calling” is frequently used today, but what does it really mean to be called? Is it something mystical, transcendent, and otherworldly that applies only to a select chosen few, or does it apply to anyone? Many people associate the concept of calling solely with full-time church-related roles, such as pastors, missionaries, or evangelists, where individuals earn their living by fulfilling God's higher purposes. However, this limited application is far from the biblical reality. Secular vocations, volunteer activities, homemaking, and similar pursuits should also be regarded as callings—even divine callings. There is also little in Scripture to suggest that church-related callings are superior to secular vocations or other types of work.

While the notion that our natural inclinations, talents, gifts, and abilities are providential “callings” is more of an interpretive extension of biblical principles than a direct teaching from Scripture, they should still be viewed as God's providential outworkings that fulfill His purposes for both the world and our individual lives. We all have various roles to play in building God’s kingdom, serving Him as a '' —anything from a rocket scientist to a garbage collector. I am reminded of a quote by : “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.”

To further address this question, it's crucial to distinguish between what theologians refer to as our “” and our “” in life.

Our primary calling as Christians relates to God calling us to Himself. This transcends any workplace calling. We are first and foremost called to be followers of Christ; we are called by Him, to Him, and for Him. We do everything in life entirely unto Him. We are called to fully participate in the restored relationship with God, with others, and with the world around us, which He made possible. This involves not only participating in Christ's redemption of fallen humanity but also in His work of creation.

By creation, I mean everything necessary to fulfill God's original design and purpose for the world. In essence, Jesus came not only to save souls but also to redeem and restore His creation. Our role is to find and acknowledge our places in God's redemptive and restorative work. Our secondary callings encompass any number of vocations, relationships, or volunteer activities where we can best utilize our God-given talents or abilities to serve the common good and build the kingdom of God. This also includes roles such as spouse, parent, and citizen. To be called by God means much more than just working in a church. It encompasses our entire life's purpose and how we engage with the world around us in accordance with God's plan.

Here’s a quote from a ministry on this topic that is definitely worth checking out. This is from the free eBook Calling: A Biblical Perspective from the Theology of Work Project (https://www.theologyofwork.org): “. . . our work must be an integral part of our participation in Christ himself. His work of creation underlies the act of creativity and production in the universe (John 1:1-3). His work of redemption can occur in every workplace through justice, healing, reconciliation, compassion, kindness, humility and patience (Colossians 3:12). Christ’s redemptive work is not limited to evangelism, but encompasses everything necessary to make the world what God always intended it to be. This redemptive work occurs in harmony with the work of creation, production and sustenance that God delegated to humanity in the Garden of Eden. The Bible does not indicate that the work of redemption has superseded the work of creation. Both continue, and, in general, Christians are commanded to participate in the work of both creation and redemption.”

The Great Commission

This has a lot to do with the Great Commission. Before his ascension, Jesus gave his disciple some final instructions: “Then the eleven disciples went away into , to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the , teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —

To be sure, we are instructed to call all men to repentance and faith, but this is not the entirety of the Great Commission. We are also told to disciple the nations, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” These teachings encompass a wide range of principles, including, serving others, loving your neighbor as yourself, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, striving to be perfect, and doing all things to the glory of God. He also taught us to pray that God’s will would be done on earth as it has in heaven. To disciple the nations in this comprehensive way would involve transforming them to align with their original purpose. This would mean redeeming and restoring the communities, families, churches, and other social institutions, that make up those nations. Such a holistic approach would touch every aspect of society and culture, including, religion, politics, education, science, art, and more. In essence, the Great Commission calls us to a far-reaching transformation of the world.

The Dominion Mandate

The Great Commission is closely linked to what is known as the “dominion mandate” outlined in the book of . This mandate instructs to have dominion over the earth and its creatures, bestowing authority to fill, subdue, and care for the earth. As stated in :

“Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'“

This passage emphasizes humanity's role as stewards of creation, tasked with nurturing and responsibly managing the world around us. The dominion mandate encompasses not only our governance over nature but also calls us to engage in community building, economic production, and cultural development (cultural mandate). It reflects God's intention for humanity to actively participate in His creation while honoring His design and purpose for the world.

In a sense, we are all when it comes to this mandate. Many may recoil at this label, but encompasses much more than a theological conviction regarding God’s providential sovereignty over salvation (divine election). It represents a comprehensive life and worldview that recognizes God's sovereign rule over all aspects of life and calls Christians to consecrate every area of life to the glory of God. This understanding encourages us to integrate our faith into every facet of life, fostering a holistic approach to living out our convictions in the world. I like this quote from :

“Christianity is not just involved with “salvation,” but with the total man in the total world. The Christian message begins with the existence of God forever, and then with creation. It does not begin with salvation. We must be thankful for salvation, but the Christian message is more than that. Man has a value because he is made in the image of God and thus man as man is an important subject for Christian art.”

If you ever have the opportunity to read the great Dutch Prime Minister 's “,” it is well worth your time. In these lectures, Kuyper presents Calvinism as a comprehensive life system that encompasses various aspects of human existence and society (the text is available for free download on several websites). One of his most famous quotes deserves repeating: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’ This quote encapsulates Kuyper’s vision of a Christian worldview that integrates faith with all areas of life, emphasizing that Christ’s authority and sovereignty are universal and all-encompassing. This conviction is foundational to Kuyper’s doctrine of “,” which teaches that each sphere of life—such as family, church, and state—has its own distinct, God-given responsibilities under Christ’s lordship.

What Is My Unique Calling?

When a person first becomes a Christian, one of the most common questions asked of pastors and ministry leaders is, “How can I know God's will for my life?” As we’ve seen, however, the concept of calling, or knowing God’s will, is more holistic than this question suggests. When trying to discern our unique vocational calling or the particular kind of work we should be involved in, we should avoid any kind of dualistic thinking that separates these areas of our lives.

I make mention of this because a lot of people erect reinforced concrete walls between their so-called “careers” and their spiritual lives. Life was not meant to be lived this way. The origin and fulfillment of any secondary calling always stems from our primary calling. I like this quote from :

“Oh I would not have it said of any of you, ‘Well, he may be somewhat Christian, but he is far more a keen money-getting tradesman.’ I would not have it said, ‘Well, he may be a believer in Christ, but he is a good deal more a politician.’ Perhaps he is a Christian, but he is most at home when he is talking about science, farming, engineering, horses, mining, navigation, or pleasure-taking. No, no, you will never know the fullness of the joy which Jesus brings to the soul, unless under the power of the Holy Spirit you take the Lord your Master to be your All in all, and make him the fountain of your intensest delight.”

When trying to discern one’s work there are certain questions to keep in mind. Ask yourself what you would like to do. Most people find they are already providentially equipped for, and predisposed toward, a specific kind of work. Scientific studies confirm this. Recent studies reveal that between adolescence and young adulthood, our minds become wired in specific directions, and that most people perform very well in vocations they appear to be already hard-wired for. These studies also show that this wiring can be adjusted or modified to accommodate additional abilities (), but the likelihood of this happening diminishes as we get older. Consequently, this is why many companies look to younger people to fill jobs in high-tech areas. It’s not because younger people are inherently smarter than older—but because they have learned the hard way how difficult it is to teach an old dog new tricks.

Of course, this is not written in stone. There have been occasions where God has asked people to do things they did not want to do or felt ill-equipped for. If you believe you are being led in a direction that is not to your liking, you should not rule it out simply because you think your abilities are not being put to the best use. The experience could turn out to be preparation for something else, or for reasons of personal sanctification, or possibly a matter of survival because there is nothing else. This, too, can be a condition we are called to, especially if you live in (or are called to) an impoverished area or country. It is also possible to be called to a life of unskilled manual labor that requires little specialized ability. When it comes to work, our calling is not necessarily a skilled vocation (or profession). Whatever the case, we will not be judged according to the status or sophistication of our callings but by our faithfulness in doing what we were asked. In whatever kind of work or season of life we find ourselves, we should always keep in mind that our primary calling is to Jesus, not necessarily to our passions.

Although any number of scenarios are possible, if you do happen to find the opportunities where your natural abilities and personal tastes can be put to use, you will probably be able to look back over your life and see the providential hand of God shaping and molding you since birth for the vocation you’re drawn to. This can also include particular skill sets and aptitudes that can be applied within any number of vocations, relationships, or volunteer activities. Our callings can’t always be nailed down to specific jobs. As Meredith Stone aptly points out in her article “Voices: Calling is not a job,” we may be called more to “life-guiding themes” such as: “hospitality, teaching people about the Bible, racial justice, child literacy, ending hunger, bringing others joy, helping people find wholeness in this life, making the world a fair and safe place, etc.” These themes can manifest in various ways throughout our lives, not necessarily tied to a single profession.

In whatever way God has prepared and equipped you, it should also be relatively easy to obtain confirmation from others who know you or from your surrounding community. They should be able to see it in you (external call). As many can attest, our callings or leadings (or spiritual gifts) are best discovered as we work within or in connection with our communities.

In addition to considering your desires, you should also assess what you are capable of doing. You may have a strong desire for a specific vocation but find that you lack the necessary skills or physical attributes for the task. For example, if you aspire to be a professional football player but are only five and a half feet tall and weigh ninety pounds, you might want to reconsider that idea. Even jobs requiring advanced education should be pursued in accordance with your aptitude for the coursework. Don’t make the mistake of jumping headlong into an area that makes you uncomfortable just to please friends or parents. While we all want our parents to be proud of us, at any age, this should never come at the expense of God's purpose and calling in our lives. I like this quote from Samuel Johnson:

“That every man should regulate his actions by his own conscience, without any regard to the opinions of the rest of the world, is one of the first precepts of moral prudence, justified not only by the suffrage of reason, which declares that none of the gifts of Heaven are to lie useless, but by the voice likewise of experience, which will soon inform us that, if we make the praise or blame of others the rule of our conduct, we shall be distracted by a boundless variety of irreconcilable judgments, be held in perpetual suspense between contrary impulses, and consult forever without determination.”

Another question you should ask when considering a type of work is whether you “should” do it. A Christian should look for a vocation that best utilizes his or her skills and gifts for the betterment of others (the common good). When deciding what area you would like to be part of, consider whether it glorifies God. Occupations such as blackjack dealer, mafia hitman, or porn star should be considered off limits. There are also many other workplaces with shady and questionable business practices. For example, pawn shops often prey on the poor by offering very little for their merchandise and charging outrageous interest rates. They have also been known to buy stolen merchandise from thieves (even protecting them). The methods of operation in most of these places, along with many other predatory lenders (such as payday loans and quick cash businesses), can border on extortion and racketeering. There are also many sales jobs that use unethical business practices or sales tactics (high-pressure manipulation, undisclosed contract clauses, exploiting psychological and other vulnerabilities, etc.) that are not God honoring.

Whatever you decide, it should come from a careful consideration of the principles and moral standards found in God’s Word. Just because a business can legally operate in the world does not mean it’s okay for a Christian to be part of it.

The Leading of the Holy Spirit

The question now becomes “how” should we expect to be called? Should we look for a burning bush telling us what to do like received? An audible voice like ? Or perhaps a blinding light and the voice of Jesus Himself, like (later the apostle Paul) received on the road to Damascus. These scenarios, and similar accounts we find in Scripture, are highly unlikely. Very few people throughout history have been called in such dramatic ways, and unless our callings are destined to be recorded in Scripture for future generations, we are not likely to see (or hear) these demonstrations. Rather, we will be led by the Holy Spirit in less intense and “theatricalized” ways as we live out our daily lives. This leading involves Scripture, prayer, and providence.

Insofar as God’s providential equipping, we have already covered some of the ways in which our secondary callings are revealed to us: inborn predispositions, gifts, God-given talents and abilities, and confirmation from others. Providence can also work in conjunction with prayer. As we pray for guidance and provision, God can answer our prayers through any providential means at His disposal. This providence includes both internal and external apprehensions.

This is explained in-depth in another book in this series entitled, Knowing God’s Will: Don’t “Just Do Something”. Here’s a quote:

“This providence can include anything from the daily orchestration of events to an inner prompting, burden, song, etc., being brought to bear on our minds. This can also include things like other people unknowingly answering our prayers for guidance through everyday conversation (or sermons). God’s providential direction is not limited, as many would insist, to merely behind the scenes or below conscious awareness, secretly bringing His will to pass as we just do something. When God answers our prayers, making His purposes and desires known, we are more often than not fully conscious and fully aware of His involvement. Our interaction with Him is active and alive.”

Here’s another quote:

Order of Seeking

“In seeking God's guidance, it's crucial to understand that it is only by taking part in His revealed will—recognizing His presence, authority, and wisdom—can we expect to see and partner in His unrevealed will. Obedience facilitates our fellowship with God. As Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Again in 1 John 3:21-22: “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

It is through this state of mind and ongoing discipleship do we keep our spiritual ears and eyes open for what God may be revealing to us as we observe His unfolding providence and answers to our prayers. While we cannot know God's entire plan for our lives, we should nevertheless continually seek His provision and guidance throughout our Christian journey. Once more, a pattern evident in both the Old and New Testaments.

As some have rightly cautioned, disregarding the biblical model and “just doing something,” is not only misleading but also suggests a form of —the belief in a creator who does not intervene in the world or interact with mankind. It’s as if God has already said everything He is ever going to say, two millennia ago through His written Word. He will gladly illuminate it to you through the indwelling of the Spirit, or perhaps even bring a passage to mind, but that’s it, have a nice day.

It should also be noted that failing to seek God’s direction (and all-important timing) could lead to disastrous consequences not only for ourselves but for others as well. This could also have potentially damaging effects on our ministry efforts. On several occasions, when the Israelites failed to consult God or trust Him, it often led to serious problems or even His discipline ().”

What About Spiritual Gifts?

Another important dimension of God’s calling in our lives is spiritual gifting. There is yet another book in this series entitled, What Are Your Spiritual Gifts? that I highly recommend, Here’s a quote:

“One of the significant advantages of being a Christian in New Testament times is being equipped with and exercising spiritual gifts. In the Old Testament, this privilege was reserved for a very select few. However, now these gifts of ministry are given to all believers. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of every believer to identify, develop, and fully use whatever ministry gifts God has given.

What are spiritual gifts? They are supernatural abilities or activities given by the Holy Spirit to believers in Christ. According to the Bible, every believer receives at least one of these gifts, with the possibility of having multiple gifts. These gifts are primarily intended for the edification and building up of the church. As we serve one another through these gifts, we become more righteous and conformed to the likeness of Christ. However, they can also be used outside the church for various purposes such as bringing others to Christ, witnessing, giving, apologetics, and more.

It is important to understand that these gifts are supernatural and God-given, designed to serve and minister to others. They are distinct from natural human abilities, talents, or genetic predispositions that may be put to use in Christian contexts. It’s easy to think this way because God gives us natural gifts like intelligence, curiosity, compassion for the sick, love of music, etc., that are often employed with these supernatural gifts. Nevertheless, these natural gifts are part of God's common grace and natural processes and should not be confused with spiritual gifting.

Although natural abilities like teaching or leading may appear similar, a person with these spiritual gifts would be supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit for greater effectiveness in building up the church. This is not to say that a person cannot have both. As Alli Patterson notes in an article entitled What Are Spiritual Gifts? “Spiritual gifts may be the very thing that brings other parts of you together . . . Understanding a spiritual gift may feel like “ohhhhh right…that makes sense!”’

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concept of calling extends far beyond traditional notions of vocational ministry, encompassing a wide array of roles and responsibilities that contribute to God's kingdom. Every Christian, regardless of their profession or life situation, is called to participate in God's redemptive work through their unique gifts and circumstances. This holistic understanding of calling emphasizes that our primary purpose is to follow Christ and reflect His love and grace in all aspects of life. As we seek to discern our specific callings, it is essential to engage with our communities, consider our abilities and passions, and align our choices with biblical principles. Ultimately, embracing our callings—whether they manifest in secular vocations, volunteer work, serving the body of Christ, or everyday interactions—allows us to fulfill the Great Commission and live out the dominion mandate given to us all. By doing so, we honor God and contribute meaningfully to the flourishing of the world around us.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain

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About the Author

Roger Ball is a Reformed Christian writer who lives on the Florida Spacecoast. He writes on Christian theology, apologetics, psychology, and culture. Contact: rogerball121@gmail.com