In his book, The Call, Os Guinness explores the truth that each of us has a unique purpose in God’s kingdom.(See disclaimer 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.
The Call to Follow Christ
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.
The Search for Meaning
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.”(See disclaimer 2 )This emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing our calling to lead a fulfilling life in Christ.
Living Out Our Calling
To fully live out our calling from God, we should:
- Deepen our relationship with God: Engage in regular prayer and study of the scripture to align our lives with His will
- Embrace our unique purpose: Recognize and utilize the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon us to serve others.
- Cultivate contentment: Guard against envy by focusing on gratitude and the blessings in our lives
- Seek meaning beyond ourselves: Understand that true fulfillment comes from living out the purpose God has designed for us.
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.
