Are You Called to Serve God?

The Apostle Paul and others often used the phrase “called of God,” or something like it, to describe themselves in their New Testament letters. For example, Paul says to the Romans that he was “called to be an apostle” (1:1).

Are you called to serve God? It’s a question worth asking carefully, because the desire to do ministry can spring from very different inner motives that look similar on the outside.

Has God called you to plant a church, lead worship, preach the word, or serve as an elder or deacon? Consider these helpful contrasts when praying about God's calling on your life.

• Calling or control?

A calling submits to God’s timing, people, and process. Control needs things done my way, my pace, and by my vision.

• Gifting or insecurity?

Has God really gifted you to serve Him in the way you think, and do others in the body of Christ affirm your calling? Insecurity serves God to prove something to oneself or to others.

• Burden or ambition?

A burden is a holy weight for lost people and for God’s name to be great among the nations, “from the rising of the sun to its setting” (Malachi 1:11). Ambition is the desire to build something that elevates the leader’s name.

• Mission or platform?

Mission asks, “Are we making disciples of Jesus Christ?” A platform asks, “How many friends are following me on social media?”

• Sacrifice or status?

A true servant of God expects obscurity, slow growth, and suffering. Status seeks influence, recognition, and quick results.

• Dependence or self-reliance?

Dependence prays, waits, and listens. Self-reliance pushes, performs, and resists counsel.

• Team-building or empire-building?

Team-building multiplies leaders and shares authority. Empire-building gathers power and loyalty.

• Faithfulness or success?

Faithfulness asks, “Did I manage well what God entrusted to me?” Success asks, “Did it work and grow bigger?

• Sending or gathering?

A sending heart celebrates people leaving for the mission. A gathering heart hoards attenders.

• Love for God and people or love for being needed?

Love for God and people shepherds like the Good Shepherd. Love for being needed keeps people dependent.

The call of God often manifests as what Eugene Peterson called “a long obedience in the same direction.” Over time, proven character, affirmed gifting, and a willingness to remain unknown if Christ is known reflect God's true calling in a person’s life.