A Calling

[Nicki4Christ]

I was saved at thirteen and just started attending church again. ( I am 31) I was told in bible study that every one has a calling. My pastor went on to say he knew he was called to be a pastor when he was saved at sixteen. And that everyone, at the time of there being saved was told of their calling. Long story short according to him if we do not hear our calling, or if we hear it and dont act on it we are doing dead works.

What does this mean?? I do not feel I was called to minister, nor sing... so if I am unsure of what my calling is does this mean I am doing dead works? I have prayed about this. I am still confused. I know only God can answer this for me, But I was just wondering what does it mean to have a calling? Also at the study it was pretty much said your calling and salvation go hand in hand. Quote " Some people think its just enough to come to church". Well thats pretty much what I do every Sunday. I pray daily, I have a personal relationship with Jesus.

But now I am being told this is not enough, I should be doing...? I have read 1 Cor 12:28, When I heard what was being said, I thought Love, was considered a gift. I even turned to the chapter in the Bible as he was talking (I have Love.. so is this okay?, maybe this is considered a "calling, or works"). I have made myself feel like I am not "doing" anything for our church. I know this is a long read, My question is :
What is considered works, or a calling? One more thing.. does everyone that is a member of their church, do something.. ?I feel like I am just attending, and they want me to do more, but what can I volunteer to do? (anything but Choir, I have been asked to do this, and said I was sorry but I CAN'T sing, ((they still ask)) I'm sorry I am real shy and I really just do not want to sing in the choir) I am not sure of what other duties there are, would you please share some? I come here and ask, instead of at my church, because I would feel like an even bigger loser if they suggested something else that I was incapable of doing( I am a full time worker at my job, and have a son in school, so my time during the week is limited).
Thank you in Advance, and God Bless.

 

[bunced]

I am going to contradict your pastor - not everyone knows exactly what God's calling on their life is, but it doesn't stop them being active Christians. In fact, you could say that wanting to know God's exact plans for your life is a sort of self-centeredness and pride, in that we want to know what's going on and not content to simply "be" and know that God is.

But I digress.

Where do your passions and skills lie? You know, you can be as faithful to your calling by being friendly to people, or by listening to people, or by making cups of tea, or by setting out chairs before a meeting as you can by being in the music group or in ministry or other such public position.

By brightening someone's day up with a smile when they're down you are doing something for the church. You have a relationship with Jesus. That's all that's important. Everything else flows from that spontaneous and intimate relationship, not the other way round, whatever your pastor may say. You're living by grace not works

 

[Nicki4Christ]

Thank you Bunced,

You really helped me to put it into perspective. God Bless You.

 

[RestoreTheRiver]

You have a calling! You have the calling of every Christian, which is to love God with all that you are, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

You also have the profound calling of being a Mother. This is another way that you receive, reflect, and pass on the love and care that God has for you. You're shaping the life of another precious human being.

It's entirely possible, even likely, that you have another calling too. You've already received excellent advice as to how to discover it, so there's no need to repeat that.

Rest in the Love and Life of God, and He will direct your path.

Michael

 

[FrauleinElsa]

Hi,

I have to agree with the others. Plus, it's possible that you do have a calling as far as ministry or something related to your church, but God might not be ready for you to know it yet. It could be that whatever it is, you're not ready for? Just my opinion. I mean look at Noah. He had a calling to save his family and all of the Earth's living creatures in an ark, but he didn't do that till he was like 120 (I believe). It took him a long while to get to his calling. So, it could be that it's not time yet. Just something to consider. Hope I've helped.

 

[Nicki4Christ]

Thank you All,

And God Bless

 

[latebloomer]

I, and most Lutherans, believe we are called to vocations. Your pastor was called to the ministry. But we don't all become pastors. We can be called to become parents, teachers, doctors, plumbers, truck drivers, farmers, whatever kind of work we are called to do. As mentioned by another poster, we don't have to be members of the choir or whatever. We can show love to our neighbors, and that's not limited to being involved in something at your church. Food is one common way to show love. Take a meal to a family with a member in the hospital or with a new baby. Or at church, offer a ride to an elderly member or help with cleaning, painting, or yard work at your church building. I had a relative years ago who used to do carpentry projects for our church--everything from coat pegs in the Sunday School rooms to Christmas candleholders to bookshelves and anything else that was needed. My grandmother used to wash the dish towels in the church kitchen. There are many ways to serve.