Gifts and calling are integral components of your identity and purpose. While distinct, they are intricately connected, forming the essence of your unique existence. In this journey of self-discovery and fulfillment, it is imperative to recognize the significance of both gifts and calling in your life. While you may possess various gifts, your calling is singular – a specific assignment you are uniquely created to fulfill. Embracing your purpose demands the harmonious integration of all your gifts.
Distinguishing Gifts from Calling:
Gifts and calling, though interconnected, serve different purposes. Understand this crucial distinction; your gifts equip you, while your calling directs you.
Your gifts are the notable capacities, talents, or endowments bestowed upon you by God. Every individual is endowed with at least one prominent gift or talent. There are no gift-less individuals; rather, there are those who may have overlooked or neglected their talents. The Bible says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6 ESV)
Disregarding or neglecting your gifts hinders the manifestation of your true potential. It’s time to uncover and utilize these gifts for the fulfillment of your calling. The Bible says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Now, what is your calling? Your calling is the strong inner impulse toward a specific course of action, often accompanied by a conviction of divine influence or your vocation. Dr. Myles Munroe describes a calling as “that thing that makes you angry,” emphasizing a deep, impassioned response. Bill Hybels concurs, describing it as “what wrecks you.” The Bible affirms,“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5 ESV).
Your calling lies within you, patiently waiting to be acknowledged. Your inner longings, those passions, and convictions are indicators of the problem you are uniquely created to solve. Just as Jesus was sent to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), your calling is encoded within you to address a specific issue or challenge. Your calling has always been within you, awaiting your attention. The Bible says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1
The Uniqueness of Your Calling:
Take note: you may possess various gifts, but your calling is singular – a specific assignment crafted for you. Your calling is the purpose you are uniquely designed to fulfill. It is the mission that defines your existence. Discovering and embracing your calling is the key to unlocking the fullness of your purpose. The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Embracing your calling is the only guarantee for a glorious future.
Learning from Jesus:
Jesus epitomizes the synergy between gifts and calling. Despite having one overarching purpose – to destroy the works of the devil – He manifested various gifts such as healing, teaching, and prophecy. Jesus strategically deployed all His gifts to fulfill His singular mission. The Bible says, “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.” (Matthew 9:35 ESV)
Harnessing Your Creative Ability:
Within every human lies a creative ability, a gift from the Creator. But your creativity flourishes within the sphere of your gift. You should recognize and value your gifts, for they are the catalysts that amplify your creative potential. The more you appreciate and invest in your gifts, the more innovative and resourceful you become.
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.” Exodus 35:35
In conclusion, your gifts and calling have been embedded within you since the beginning. Now is the time to pay attention to it. As you embark on this journey of self-discovery, remember that your gifts are the tools designed to fulfill your calling. Embrace them, value them, and deploy them with the wisdom and intentionality that comes from a deep understanding of your unique purpose. Your calling has been patiently waiting for your attention – it’s time to unlock its full potential.