There are roles we choose, and there are roles chosen by God. Those are usually the most challenging or controversial ones. Living for God can be hard because people tend to place higher expectations on you. Nevertheless, the reward is greater than the perception of others.
Moment of Transparency
Regarding interests, nothing satisfies me more than helping people. If I lift someone’s spirit for one day, I feel like the rest of my day will be blessed. If I make someone else smile or laugh, I feel like I’ve made her happy, even if just for a moment. When I help people solve the problems in their lives, it takes the attention away from my own.
If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I was child, I would’ve told you a cartoonist because I like to draw. If you had asked me what I wanted to be when I was a teenager, I would’ve told you an actress because I like to perform. If you asked me what I wanted to do as an adult, I’d say I like to write because I like to entertain.
If you ask me what I like to do today, I’d say I like to inspire, uplift, motivate, and encourage people to become a better version of themselves through my blogs, poetry, private messages, and in person conversations. I believe every encounter can be an opportunity to minister to someone. You never know how many lives you can save with just a few kind words.
However, I don’t feel like God is calling me to do ministry because I still like to party and listen to secular music. I also like horror movies and thrillers that might include profanity and explicit language or behavior. Plus, I do not conform to norms or develop group think when I totally disagree with something. I’d be the elephant in the room, and I don’t think Christians would like that, although I think it is very much needed, especially in today’s society. Bottom line, I’d probably get kicked out of the ministry for having too many fact-based opinions. But thank God no one can kick me out of heaven but Christ himself.
I consider myself more of a spiritual than religious person. I believe that’s what makes me relatable. I don’t want to walk around with this label on my forehead, making it easier for people to throw stones at me. I’m not perfect and never will be. Besides, I don’t want the pressure of becoming perfect. Titles welcome negative criticism. Certainly, God does appoint religious leaders to guide his children, but you should only follow the God in man, not man himself.
I may not be religious, but I’m pretty good at keeping God’s commandments to the best of my ability, and I know how to treat people.
A Call to Action
If you always find yourself alert and responsive to a certain cause, then it might be your calling. It’s like being the only one able to hear a particular sound. Have you ever been in a space with at least one or more persons and asked the question, “Did you hear that?” Only to discover that you’re the only one who heard the sound initially. However, as others listened closely, they may have heard it the second or third time.
When God speaks directly to you, it’s only meant for you to hear because it’s your assignment. Better yet, a call to action. It can be frustrating once others do hear the sound and do nothing. That’s because it was never their assignment. It was yours. Theirs may involve something different.
Employers weed through hundreds of applications in search of finding the right one for the job. Imagine how many people God has to weed through before finding the right person to do his work? God’s job took diligence. Yours takes obedience. Consider yourself special for honoring God’s request.
It’s easy to respond to a calling you enjoy. Oftentimes, it becomes your profession. Sometimes, it can become cumbersome as well. For instance, you may be called to teach at a school. But as your job becomes more challenging over the years, it’s not so fun anymore. You might start homeschooling instead. You may be called to preach the gospel and build a church. Then one day, you may step down from the pulpit and start writing spiritual books instead. The good news is God allows you to maneuver through your calling so you don’t get burned out.
You may be the go-to person in your family for money, cooking, emotional support, counseling, or prayer. You may be the one who is always asked to sing, dance, play an instrument or entertain in some other way. Perhaps you are simply the one who brings everyone together.
Whether you’re the one who is always giving money or always giving advice, just remember that the reward is bigger than your heart and God loves us all the same.
“Hearing God’s call is like music to my ears. I’ve responded to each one, over the years. “Whenever you’re called, don’t ignore. God just might be keeping score.”
-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽
