A Calling, Not Just a Career

Andrew and Peter had jobs and careers. As trained fishermen, they carried on a profession that had been passed on from generations past. But their lives changed when they had an encounter with Jesus.

Walking by the Sea of Galilee, the Lord saw them casting their net and asked them to follow Him. At that moment, they left behind their careers and plans. In fact, they would learn that following Him meant leaving everything else behind.

At the same time, He suggested that He would use their background and skills. They still would be “fishers,” but instead of seeking “fish,” they would fish for people—for Souls (vs. 18-19).

Then Jesus approached two other fishermen, James and John. He made the same appeal to them, but this time He used a different word: He “called” them. As these men followed Him, they would realize that this was a “calling.” And they would realize that this was different from having an ordinary job or pursuing a career.

Paul, too, knew that He had been “called” by God. He had been “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” And he knew he was writing to people who had been “called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours” (1 Corinthians 1:1-2).

Today, Jesus still calls men and women to follow Him. But when we do, it is important that we understand what this means: Putting aside our own plans and interests…letting Him decide our future…and following Him whatever the cost may be.

However, Jesus’ call on our lives will also mean using the skills and resources we have been given. It is likely to build on our experiences and interests. But it means using them in the ways He directs.

Have you answered God’s call on your life? Are you wholeheartedly following Jesus?