There is a truthful expression going around that I have quoted before.
It goes like this:
GOD DOESN'T HAVE A CALLING ON YOUR LIFE ... YOUR LIFE IS HIS CALLING
I like expressions, especially when they are true.
And when they counter some of my religious persuasions, I like them even more!
To be called or not to be called. That is the question!
Calling - wanted dead or alive?
And to answer the question, I guess we need to know what calling really is so that we understand better.
The institutional church uses this word ignorantly to preach self-condemnation. They would say something along the lines of:
"God has a plan for your life. Don't miss it. If you do ... you will be walking outside of the will of God and who knows what may happen then?" they say.
Usually, you would then be persuaded to become involved with some church committee, group or mission. And if that is impossible you would be coerced to tithe or contribute towards that end. That would make the feeling of missing your plan and uselessness in this life go away.
Really?
That sounds a little sadistic!
God is not so heartless that He would hide something from you and then, when you miss it ... aah, that's just too bad. You've had it!
We need a proper explanation of what this calling entails.
Enters Paul
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:28-30
So many calls in one sentence!
And many are called few are chosen.
And what is God's purpose then?
Well, His purpose is for you and Him to be one. That is why He came to save you. For intimacy!
But let us follow on with what Paul is explaining …
Calling
The Greek word used here for calling is the word klētos which means to call out loud, to call forth, to give a name, to invite.
Klētos is the same Greek root word that is used in forming the word ekklēsia (that is erroneously translated in our Bibles as church). But the word ekklēsia actually means from the calling or out of those invited or those called forth. (I explain in length in this post)
Called forth from where?
From this world ...
... ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called (klētos) you out of darkness into his marvellous light 1Pe 2:9
Can that be?
Yes!
God foreknew you, even before you were formed in your mother's bosom.
So, if He foreknew you, you are chosen - predestinated!
You are designed to be called.
Are you called?
Then you have been justified by the blood of Jesus.
Have you been justified? Yes, read all about it in Rom 5:9, Act 13:39, Rom 3:24 1Co 6:11, Gal 2:16, Tit 3:7, etc.
Then you have been glorified by His abiding Spirit living right inside of you even as you are reading this post! (But you can also read about it here)
You will not miss your calling the way that the institutional church would make you believe!
Your life in Him, is your calling!