The issue of predestination, that all things are pre-ordained by God, is a stumbling block for so many. It’s unfortunate because our finite minds will end up in a twist trying to think this through to no real satisfactory end.

The logic flow is that if God is omniscient from the beginning, then He knew that I was “chosen” or not. Good for me; bad news for others left out. Seems so unfair – actually sort of mean and capricious on God’s part.

Once one is “in” then one can actually spend a lifetime not worrying about God or their behavior. Or wondering if they’re still in the club based on their most recent behavior.

Either way, the thinking is immature and silly:

• “I hope God chose me!”
• “I think God chose me and I hope he doesn’t change His mind!”
• “I’ve been chosen so it doesn’t matter what I do!”

Non-Christians love this debate as it gives them an easy out. The rationale can be that “if God chose me, then I’ll get in someday. In the meantime, I’m not going to worry about it!”

I believe this is all a distraction that misses the point.

There is One Calling
The distraction is compounded when God’s calling gets confused with one’s vocation or life purpose and path in worldly or religious terms:

“I think God’s calling me to be a pastor (or a dentist, or an architect).”

This is actually a great distortion that has led many people astray.

There is but one calling: His calling, His purpose. Yes, you may be a doctor, teacher, executive, dancer, engineer, pilot, pastor, clerk, actor, banker, salesperson, service worker or drive a cab, and these may be settled states in life or life-long dreams achieved or in process. But as a Christian, your real aim is tied to His leading, direction and service.

Hence the struggle, or it should be.

Why is prayer, study of scripture, and fellowship in the church body such a fundamental basis for the Christian life? Because that is how we are led, nudged, pulled and directed to follow His path and His purposes for our life where we live and throughout the world. Apart from this supernatural intervention we are islands of selfish, individual desires and goals.

Given this tension, it’s not surprising that many people are conflicted in wanting to please God but also succeed in life.

Holy Direction
When we seek great things for ourselves and our career, we risk putting up a barrier to God’s use of us. If we surrender our aims, our everything – life, family, and career – He is then able, through God’s Holy Spirit in us, to take our God-given gifts, talents and inclinations and direct them for His good purposes and aims. 

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)

So while we may aspire to inspired human dreams and goals, our heart in prayer should be surrendering those desires to God so that we are now dedicated workers for His glory and Kingdom purpose.

The Apostle Paul was in manufacturing (tent-maker); gospel writers Luke and Matthew were in healthcare and financial services. Paul kept up his tent-making business as his ministry was self-funded. Most likely Luke did as well. No doubt Matthew reoriented his corrupt tax collecting practices.

They all were redirected in their new-found faith and “calling” under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Regardless of their vocation, the spiritual Kingdom of God and the world, is better for their surrendering to the call of obedience to knowing and loving God above all things.

“Follow Me”
Jesus reduced a calling simply to “follow Me.” In real terms, His Disciples literally dropped everything and followed Jesus in ministry over the next 3 years and for the rest of their lives. But the Church of the first Christians were not told to all become pastors and walk away from their day jobs. They were to live in peace and love and fellowship with each other and the world around them. If a farmer or doctor or shopkeeper or homemaker, then do so as a Christ-follower.

For any one today, sensitivity toward one’s natural proclivities, gifting, and talents are good first steps for vocational choice and life-ministry. Truth be told, one doesn’t need fancy tests to determine what is God-given. Examine your own heart’s longing, attraction and natural inclinations. Those are God-given. You’ve probably been told as much by those who know and love you.

Want to be certain?

Give them up to God in prayer every day and seek open and shut doors of opportunity and leading. Be very mindful as He is faithful and shows up for the devoted and submitted heart. You can therefore tread boldly forward and watch the unwrapping of your unique skills, gifts, longing and heart laid out for Kingdom purposes.

It’s Not About You
But remember, it’s really not about you and your plans and/or accomplishments, however noble and good. It is all about God, utilizing you, the unique and gifted person He created for a purpose. When you move through life fully surrendered – and it sometimes takes a lifetime to learn this lesson of full surrender – the alignment is good and God’s “will is done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Are you clear on your purpose and calling? It’s not complicated.
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“…Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:1-6

Categories: Abundant Living, Calling, Church, Devotion, Discipleship, Faith, Family, Fathering, Forgiveness, Jesus, Manhood, Marketplace, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer, Purpose, Uncategorized

Tags: calling, predestination, purpose