Today we hear words like purpose and calling thrown around everywhere. When you get down to it, they sound similar and it can be confusing. What is the difference between your purpose and your calling?
Before I start my explanation, if you have followed me for any time, you will see a shift in my definition of purpose. What I once thought was my purpose, I now believe is my calling, and this has changed how I view purpose for everyone.
You were born with a purpose and your purpose is found in why you are here. What are you here to do? That is your purpose.
I believe we were all created by God for the same purpose. And I believe it can be found in the Bible. When asked what is the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:37-40.)
From this verse in Matthew hidden in plain sight is what I believe is the purpose of all Christians. That is to bring the lost to Christ. When we love the Lord with all our heart and soul and our neighbors as ourselves, we will want to bring others to Christ and thereby fulfill our purpose.
Your calling is how you are going to walk in your purpose and at the same time accomplish the dreams of your heart, your passions. You were given talents and special abilities when you were born. God equipped us all in very different ways. When you take your talents along with your passions and spiritual gifts, mix them up together and look closely, you will find your calling.
I will use myself as an example. I was born with the ability to turn a phrase and say something in a way that “spoke” to people. I have the ability to stay calm in the storm, steady most of the time. I am passionate about seeing people succeed, helping people, and serving and my foremost spiritual gift is encouragement, followed closely by teaching.
When you put all this into a bag and shake them together, you can see my calling…Encouraging others through teaching, writing, and speaking in a calm, steady manner. Seeing things in others and their situations they may have trouble seeing themselves. Speaking truth into their lives in a direct loving manner, hopefully turning their hearts towards God.
Try it on yourself. See if you can figure out your calling so that you can walk in your purpose! If you need help, let me know! I would be happy to share some insight.
Cindy
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