Discovering our Purpose / Calling

in Thoughts  by Jinha Kim 0 comments

Discovering Our Purpose / Calling:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

“We are not primarily called to do something or go somewhere; we are called to Someone. We are not called first to special work but to God. The key to answering the call is to be devoted to no one and to nothing above God himself.” – Os Guinness, The Call

One practical tool is to consider your SHAPE (Kickstarted by NZPUC Discipleship Ministries leader Pastor Victor Kulakov: https://cdn.disciple.org.au/media/uploads/2020/06/SPD-Shape-Facilitators-Handbook.pdf)

  • Spiritual Gifts (God-given supernatural abilities) – see chart below
  • Heart (passions and what you love to do)  
  • Abilities (acquired talents and skills)
  • Personality (your temperament and approach to life)
  • Experiences (life events that have shaped you)

Your unique SHAPE is a clue to how God has called you to serve Him in the world and in the church.

You can also consider the 7 C’s of a calling:

  • Conviction:
          • Do you feel a sense of this is what I’m supposed to do?
          • A sense of purpose or drive that motivates you to pursue this call?
  • Circumstances:
          • External conditions that make it possible for you to do this call – job availability, financial stability
          • Or a personal life situation – painful ones, especially – that might inspire you to do something
  • Confirmation:
        • Have others affirmed your abilities and calling in this area? Do mentors, peers, or supervisors see your potential and encourage you to pursue this path?
  • Character:
        • Does this opportunity align with your values and ethics? Can you pursue this work with integrity and stay true to your personal and professional principles?
  • Competence:
        • Do you have the skills and abilities necessary for the call? Do you excel in this area or show potential to develop the required competencies?
  • Commitment:
        • Are you willing to invest the necessary time, effort, and resources into this call?
        • Commitment involves dedication to continual growth, learning, and overcoming challenges.
        • It requires perseverance and the readiness to stay the course even when faced with obstacles
  • Community:
        • Do you have a support network within this call? Community involves having mentors, colleagues, and professional networks that can offer support, guidance, and opportunities for collaboration. It also means being part of a work culture and environment where you feel you belong and can thrive.

 

by: Jinha Kim

"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14