Callings Part II

“You missed your calling.” How often have we used this phrase in a glib manner not knowing what damage we do. The thought that someone could go through life not operating in their gifts can bring terror to a heart, especially an old one. The whole idea of a ‘calling’ upon a life can become a mental straight jacket that binds instead of guides, that spells doom and failure instead of light and freedom. It is a concept that has to be handled carefully, but I think it is worth the risk for all of us, both old and young.

For the young, it is a challenge to desire before the Lord a place and means of service that would be of benefit to God, man, and themselves. We beseech the Lord for guidance in every other matter of life; why not our vocational choices? But it should be more than lip service. We have grown to expect that no person would ever venture into full time Christian service except that they were absolutely sure of God’s call in that respect. Why should we not desire equal certainty when choosing a career as a welder or a car salesman? When we do, we accomplish a couple of things. One, we place this choice of service upon the holiest of ground and make it a matter of great prayer, entreating the Lord with all earnestness. Secondly, we enter upon career preparation with an attitude that our occupation is to be one of service. What a difference this can make when crawling under a car to change a muffler in December. It can transform the most mundane and onerous task into something akin to ministering a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. And we all know quite well the rewards associated with that. Thirdly, when we have a clear sense of calling in our vocation, it imbues us with the strength to endure hardship when it comes. The missionary convinced of his calling is willing to risk everything and endure all. So, too, the teacher who is sure of his calling will be able to endure the associated hardships and survive the times of testing amid a thousand and one discouraging doubts.

So, how does one find one’s calling? For some, they know from the very earliest days of their life. I have always envied them. For most of us, it is not that easy. The Puritans urged each to examine himself to see the providence and leading of God through ‘inward endowments and inclinations,’ ‘outward circumstances which may lead to one course of life rather than another,’ the advice of ‘parents, guardians,’ and to ‘nature, education, or gifts acquired’ all pondered ‘in the balance of sound reason.’ Modern man has perfected dozens of tests to reveal to us our inner gifts and inclinations. They are valuable tools. The advice of parents, trusted friends, teachers, and counselors is probably even more valuable but less utilized. Our culture of ‘rugged individualism’ (“I did it my way.”) has undermined this vital resource. How can we encourage our children to hear our counsel; we who know them best? It is an art to foster from the earliest age. They need us and all that we can tell them only too soon.

‘And education and gifts acquired.’ Here is where we preach the virtues of a well-rounded education that exposes students to subjects and activities they have never before encountered. 7th grade shop class opened up a whole world to me that I never knew existed. I learned to draw and work with wood. It stuck. Important, also, are the hobbies we experiment with at an early age. I did my first creative writing in high school. My basement was a witch’s brew of experiments in chemistry. Model trains taught me electricity. Coin collecting introduced me to history. Chess taught me logic. Reading science fiction gave me a love for science. A gun, a dog, and farm fields to wander imparted a love for nature. And making up high school Bible club skits taught me the joys of creative drama. All for free, and all before college.