1 Guinness, O. (2003, Sept. 30). The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life. Thomas Nelson. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
2 Dostoyevsky, F. (1869). The Possessed (Demons). Penguin Classics. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
Approved and verified accurate by the local outreach coordinator of the Office of Spiritual Life on March 13, 2025.
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In his book, The Call, Os Guinness explores the truth that each of us has a unique purpose in God’s kingdom.1 He emphasizes that our primary calling is not a specific career, role or ministry. It is to follow Christ wholeheartedly as we navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, letting God’s voice guide us.
In Jesus’ words, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men,” reminds us that our calling begins with Him (Matthew 4:19 NKJV). Before considering our future careers or ministries, we are first called into a relationship with Christ. This calling is not based on our abilities but on God’s grace, drawing us into a life of faith, love and obedience.
Guinness reflects on Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s contemplation of purpose, “Without a firm notion of what he is living for, man will not accept life and will destroy himself rather than remain on earth.”2 This emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing our calling to lead a fulfilling life in Christ.
To fully live out our calling from God, we should:
By reflecting on these things from Guinness, we are reminded that our highest calling is to know God intimately and to live out His purpose for our lives. We should continually seek to align our actions with this calling, finding meaning and fulfillment in our journey of faith.