Understanding Calling: Insights from the Bible

In my New Testament reading for today, Peter explicitly said “…to this you have been called”.

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV) 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

So, we affirm that the Lord calls folks to various tasks. 

It got me thinking about how we use the language of “calling” in our Christian subculture. 

Interestingly, our word “vocation” has its roots in the Latin word “vocare” which means to call. This indicates that vocation is understood as some sort of “calling” to work that is rooted in skill and the recognition of that skill as a voice urging one in a particular direction for work. 

As Christians, we would say that the voice urging one in a particular “vocational” direction is the Wise Creator Jesus through his means of creating human image-bearers to fill the earth and subdue it for our joy, its proper management, and the Lord’s praise.  

The Bible does not always use the word “calling” but it definitely indicates that the Lord “calls” people to specific tasks and vocations based on his eternal purposes, Like in Isaiah 6, or like those skilled craftsmen in the construction of the temple. 

It seems that “calling” is a summons by the Lord to a specific work and/or attitude in our work that comes with instructions on how to obey and a promise the Lord will see the called person through to his good purposes. 

I love that language and want us to use it in all the good ways the Lord has given us understanding to use it. 

I find it interesting that we tend to use that language around tasks we find pleasant or tasks that scratch that itch we have and we avoid that language when it comes to unpleasant things or tasks and work we don’t itch for but rather are trying to avoid. 

Peter explicitly states that we are called to imitate Jesus’ approach to suffering as we are allowed to suffer. Imitating Jesus in suffering is a calling. 

Taking on the role of elder/overseer is often described as a calling, but the Bible calls that work a noble desire, not a calling (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7). I would argue that “pastor” is not equal to elder and overseer, but that elder and overseer are equal and that these men who fill this role do pastoral work, but it’s not all they do, and this is NOT referred to as a calling. It is a noble desire. 

So, what are we to do?

1. Let’s be careful with our vocabulary when we speak of what we are setting our mind’s attention and heart’s affection on regarding our work and attitude.
   1. When we call tasks callings that are things we delight in and avoid work the Bible calls “calling”, we lure people into confusion and perhaps those people seeking out a task they are not fit for because they fancy the good time associated with the task referred to as a “calling” and are confusing the desire for a good time and scratching that spiritual itch for the voice of the Spirit. 
   2. Could it be the Spirit? Sure. And he speaks just as loud in 1 Peter 2:21 in calling us to suffer well as he does to enjoy teaching the Bible in public or some other enjoyable work.  
2. Let’s give the more difficult callings in the Bible the attention they should be given.
   1. The Lord indeed does call us to good and joyful work, and often that good and joyful work takes place within the setting of really difficult circumstances and hard work.
      1. If we never refer to the difficult and hard as the calling they are, then we are setting folks up for disappointment and a faith crisis. 
      2. If we never refer to the difficult and hard as calling, we are discipling people to avoid the very thing that may do the most good and bring the most lasting joy. What a shame to have bypassed all the good because we could not conceive of the hard things as a calling from the Lord. 

Give this some thought and see what you think about “calling”. What insights do you have about the Bible’s use of “calling” and how should we make application of it?