Perplexed By A False Call
The thought of the Call of God is a mysterious phenomenon. When we examine the Scripture we understand that every Christian has a call as a priest of God. I Peter 2:9 tells us, “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a call and confirmation to every believer that they are a minister of the Lord. Yet, there are those whom the Lord specifically calls and requires to leave their secular work and worldly ambitions to pursue the full time work of the ministry and to even earn their living by the ministry of the Gospel. Many people don’t know that the Bible speaks of those who are required to earn their living through the ministry. Some in ignorance actually criticize ministers receiving income from the ministry. However, Paul writes, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” (1Co 9:14)
Since there are those who are targeted by the Lord to fill these ministry roles there are also those who are not. That doesn’t mean that those who are not called to this ministry function are less anointed, they just fill a different need. It would be just as wrong for a person who is not called in this way, to try to make it happen, as it would be for one called to not follow the call. In Mark 5 we are told of the wonderful account where Jesus sets the man filled with demons free. What a powerful testimony? How many of us in ministry would not call this man to follow us for PR purposes and to validate our ministry? Yet, Jesus did not allow him to follow him in full time ministry. He actually sent him home. Here is what Mark writes of the event:
Mar 5:18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."

Bible College towns are filled with those who have been called by friends, preachers and mothers, but not by Jesus. They avoid careers and work at menial tasks far below their abilities and often at the expense of their families. Why? They are still waiting on the door to open to the ministry. I believe I can say that most of the time, if the door to ministry hasn’t opened to you after 10-15 years of pursuing it, that door probably isn’t supposed to open. I’m sure there are exceptions to this, but not many. You need to face the possibility that Jesus never called you. You might even be chasing a fantasy. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to get you in position. Effort and desire does not a call make.

We need people in the Kingdom of God who will hear this Call and follow Jesus regardless of the sacrifice or cost. We also must have those engaged in society, working in the secular fields, and giving themselves to assist in the expansion of the Kingdom of God in the local church.

I know this is a hard word but no one seems to be willing to suggest to some that it is very possible that they have misunderstood their love and zeal for the Lord. In truth they have spent too much time disengaged rather than engaged because of a false call. In the end, the will of God is all that matters.