Lesson 1, Topic 1
In Progress

1.1.2 Understanding of Purpose And Calling

If you want to lead yourself and make wise decisions regarding your time, gifts, finances and other areas of life, the key is to have a clear understanding of God’s ideas and purposes for your life.

 

The Bible speaks about our general purpose as Christians as well as foundational commandments that reflect God’s purpose for our lives. We are proposed to be God’s children (cf. 1Jn 3:1), to become more like God (cf. Rom 8:29) and to seek His face (cf. Col 3:16). God instructs us to love him and to love our neighbor as ourselves (cf. Mt 22:37ff). He wants us to keep the Sabbath as a day of spiritual rest (cf. Gen 12:14), and much more. This applies to every Christian at all times. “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. “ (1 John 5:2).

 

In addition to a general purpose, each individual has been created with special gifts, a personality, life story and a special calling. God has given you a certain potential for which you will one day be held accountable (cf. Mt 25:14ff). Discovering this calling and feeling of being in the “right place,” gives one the drive and energy needed to achieve goals and bring everyday tasks to life. This calling is usually not a straight path, but an adventure with different curves and obstacles. Therefore, it is important to keep reviewing one’s calling in ministry. This also includes a regular evaluation of one’s own gifts, strengths and weaknesses, as well as personal capacity and limits. In addition, we should always question whether the vision for your own ministry is still clear. Leaders are constantly being challenged for their vision, strategy and actions by both other people and the devil. It is, therefore, all the more important that the leader is clear about his vision so that he can move forward courageously.

“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you make of it is your gift to God” (Danish proverb).