What are you “called” to do?

The word “calling” can be intimidating. It makes us think of being a missionary, starting a homeless shelter, or coordinating an after-school program for inner city kids.

But all of us have a calling, even if we don’t do those sorts of things. 

First, we’re called to be disciples of Jesus. This is about learning from him and then imitating him. That’s what a disciple does, and it applies to all of us. 

Related to this, you are “called” out of darkness and into the wonderful light of God. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to the apostle Peter as he wrote to Christians scattered throughout many provinces in the first century: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Second, we’re called to glorify God and serve him in our day-to-day routines. This is true for office administrators, plumbers, high school students or lawyers. 

Theologian John Calvin says: “For every work performed in obedience to one’s calling, no matter how ordinary and common, is radiant—most valuable in the eyes of our Lord.”* Calvin’s point is that your work—even if you think it is “ordinary and common”—is nevertheless radiant and valuable to God.

God has called you. Not just anybody, but you. 

Let’s respond with God-glorifying gratitude. Our contributions are most valuable in the eyes of the Lord.

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Notes and extra content:

–“If you want to actually be like Jesus.” Sermon. Click here. November 3, 2024. Also find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe.

–*John Calvin, A Little Book on the Christian Life (Reformation Trust, 2017), 126.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.