Gifts and Calling

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

-Romans 11.29

 “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross lies your calling”

-Aristotle, Greek philosopher

 As we commence this blessed year 2015 in earnest, may all your goals and aspirations be fulfilled in Jesus name.

This edition is special, and our focus is on finding your calling. God once told Prophet Jeremiah, “Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work” (Jer 1.5 ncv). Because this is true and applicable to all humans, Apostle Paul also reconfirmed it in his words when he said, “But God had special plans for me and set me apart for his work even before I was born” (Gal 1.15). So, you are a special person with a special assignment to this particular generation.

 Make a promise to yourself never to merely exist but to really lead a purpose-driven life. As Norman cousins once verified, “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live.” This is exactly what Myles Munroe, who recently passed, had in mind when he asserted, “The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without a purpose.

 ‘The Top Five Regrets of the Dying’ is a sensational book that never fails to awaken genuine passion for life in its readers.  Bronnie Ware, a Nurse who had worked for many years in palliative care, reveals in this book the top five regrets people make on their deathbed, in the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common subjects surfaced again and again. Here is the most common regret of all: “I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

 In a similar Gallup poll conducted some time ago in the United States among several people over age 90 and asked them, “If you had your life to live over again, what would you do differently?” The bulk of them said that they would spend more time reflecting on their lives and on what is it that gives their lives a sense of value. That they would take more risks and go outside their comfort zone to use their talents and do the things that used to intimidate them.

How can I find greater meaning in my life? How can I make a lasting contribution to the rest of humanity through my work? How can I leave my footprints on the sands of time, doing God’s special work for me?

The answer is always clear; Find your calling. I believe we all have special talents that are just waiting to be engaged in a worthy pursuit. The Bible says that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

 Your gifts and your calling are interlocked, and if you have not seen it like that, please think again. Aristotle, a prominent Greek Sage once revealed that, “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross lies your calling.” This is perfectly consistent with God's word as highlighted above.

We are all here for some unique purpose, some divine assignment that will allow us to manifest our higher human potential while we, at the same time, add value to the lives around us. Talking about spiritual gifts, the scripture reports that, “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Cor 12.7).

Finding your calling doesn’t mean you must leave the job you now have or become a person you are not. It simply means you need to bring more of yourself into your work and focus on the things that matters to you and the impact that only you can make. It also means you have to stop waiting for other people to make the changes you desire and start leveraging on golden opportunities that resonate with your individuality.

BobGas, the prolific author of The Word For You Today devotionals said, “In life, your purpose is always connected to your giftedness. God doesn't call you to do something you've no talent for.” King Solomon had also said, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Prov 18:16).

Your true impact in life is at the point where your talents and the needs of the world intersect. Your gifts, talents, passions & inclinations were all pre-installed by God. God told Moses in the pursuit of his calling as a deliverer, “What is that in your hand?” (Exo 4.2) Gifts and callings are ranked equally in God’s view and when you give your talents this profound approach, it eventually becomes a calling in your hand.

I do not want you to get confused about natural talents and spiritual gifts. They are one and the same. In the words of Billy Graham whom Americans often referred to as ‘America’s pastor’: “I am not sure we can always draw a sharp line between spiritual gifts and natural abilities –both of which, remember, come ultimately from God. Nor did I believe is always necessary to mark a sharp distinction. It appears God can take a talent and transform it by the power of the Holy Spirit and use it as a spiritual gift.” As Apostle Peter once stated, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1Pet 4:10 NASB)

                                                                                           

Robert G. LeTourneau’s life seems to perfectly explain the interaction of gifts and calling. In the last century, RG LeTourneau was perhaps the most inspiring Christian inventor, businessman and entrepreneur the world ever saw. He went on to become the father of earth moving machinery along with more than 300 patents to his name and major contributions to road construction and heavy equipment that forever changed the world.

His contributions to the advancement of the Gospel also ranks him among the greatest of Christian Businessmen of all time, famous for living on 10% of his income and giving 90% to the spread of the Gospel & charitable courses.

 In the year 1919 as a Christian, he felt the drive to be doing more for God. So, he went to his pastor, Reverend Devol, for advice. RG thought that anyone who was wholly committed to Christ had to become a pastor or a missionary to truly fulfill his calling. But after a deep prayer session with his pastor, RG LeTourneau was shocked to hear Rev. Devol say the words that guided him for the rest of his life, “God needs businessmen too.” This was a revelation to RG and he immediately began to consider his business to be in partnership with God. That is the spiritual perspective to your giftedness that upgrades it to a calling.

As you journey this year with determined efforts to find your calling and start making deliberate attempts to fulfill it, may God’s special grace be sufficient for you.

NB: Kindly share this post with friends and add your comments to motivate other readers of this post. God bless you.

 Thank you.

 James Adekoje

For The Bible Motivator