Its an interesting thing to consider; 'calling'.
Its most often referred to in a spiritual context, as in 'I felt called/led to that relationship, place, idea, ministry...'
I've heard some say that we're only called in general terms, not specific ones. As in, I'm called to love others, it doesn't matter where or how I love them, as long as I do love them. There is no shortage of people needing to be loved.
I can identify with this. It is important that we're open, surrendered, ready - and the details are less relevant than our willingness. (It will all fall into place if we're positioned and available.)
As much as the above concept makes total sense,
As much as the above concept makes total sense,it breaks down a bit for me based on my own experiences.
For example, one of many things I learned from inner city ministry was that hope (solutions, even?) are found in healthy, encouraging relationships and in sharing community. Programs are much less effective than relationships. Perhaps the most helpful formula is genuine relationship within programs that address genuine needs. Undoubtedly, though - good relationships are needed more than good programs. Continuing on this path.. could it be that a really great way to grow community, to offer hope, to let one's light shine may be to live in the inner city?? You're not alone if this concept is threatening. ("Are you suggesting everyone needs to live in the inner city? That God doesn't need people to live in the suburbs, towns?!?") Most people are immediately defensive upon contemplating this idea. (what does that say about us?.. another post, perhaps...)
I have often thought that there are more people 'called' than there are people who are 'responding' when it comes to an area where I have experience; the inner city. Therefore, at least sometimes, calling IS specific, it IS pointing to a certain place or concept.
We know God 'appoints'.
Are you listening? Are you threatened, fearful?
"You are the LORD God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him.."
Nehemiah 9:7-8
hey kelly,
ReplyDeletei think that you're definitely on the right track. something that caught my eye was that, "there are more people called than those who respond." lots of people overhear the passion that God has for a specific thing, and yet they think that because they have not heard an audible voice, or felt tingly, or anything along those lines, that it must not be legit. either that or they simple don't appreciate how much the call will cost their life. and most often God calls us in a way that's related to our personal experience in some form or another. we're connected personally with what God wants us to do. and that's not comfortable.
secondly, if we look at the example of Isaiah, he heard the call not because he asked God, "what would you like me to do.." but because he was in the place, spiritually, where he was in tune with the will of the Father. he overheard the conversation of God's concerns being voiced to God. and he responded, before he knew what he was being called to. a lot of people respond before knowing what they're stepping into. and it's some people's downfall. people in the north american church prefer a calling where they can go and "do" and then retreat back to their comfortable worlds. but God never said that this was realistic. in fact, Jeremiah 29 (arguably the passage of scripture most taken out of context) states that when we're in a place of potential ministry, it's nitty-gritty and we're supposed to bloom where we've been planted. in the midst. in the thick of it. irremovable. i really like you're thoughts on people who have the call to work with inner city culture, who are called to go and BE THERE, and yet don't because it's too intimate. of course it's intimate! it's supposed to be intimate! God's intimate and expects us to be as well. we are in the world but not of the world, but we still have to BE IN IT!! thanks for the thoughts kelly. looking forward to hearing how your move goes.
sincerely,
sheila.
I don't think that only inner city residents need help. Even a suburb can hav many hurting and lost people - they might just hide it better.
ReplyDeleteCory