Are you, or your child/children, one of the few chosen ones? How do you recognize that? What do you, or help them, do to answer the call and move from call to chosen?
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14 KJV
The above verse “many are called, but few are chosen” resonates deeply within many spiritual traditions, capturing a profound truth about our human experience and journey towards fulfilling a higher purpose.
This statement, rooted in the biblical scripture Matthew 22:14, suggests that while God’s people have the potential to achieve greatness or fulfill a divine purpose, only a few truly embrace the journey and rise to the occasion.
But what does it mean to be called, how can one discern if they are chosen, and more importantly, what steps can one take to answer this call?
Recognizing the Call
Understanding and recognizing the call is the first step in this spiritual journey. Few people recognize the calling. Those who do, do so because a mentor helped them. In The Bible, 1 Samuel 3:1-10, we saw how the boy, Samuel, who was ministering to Eli, the priest, didn’t recognize that he was being called by God. Eli helped him recognize and answer the call. So it is with everyone.
How can one recognize and answer a higher calling? Here are some signs that may indicate you are being called to a higher purpose:
Inner Restlessness:
A persistent sense of dissatisfaction or restlessness, even when everything seems to be going well, might suggest a deeper calling. This feeling can manifest as an ongoing sense that there is something more significant you are meant to do beyond your current circumstances.
Recurring Themes:
Certain themes, ideas, or messages keep appearing in your life. Whether through dreams, books, conversations, or even random encounters, these recurring elements seem to guide you towards a specific path or purpose.
Unusual Experiences:
Moments of profound insight, meaningful coincidences, or a deep sense of connection with something greater than yourself can be indicators of a calling. These experiences feel significant and often challenge your perception of reality.
Strong Intuition:
A heightened sense of intuition can be a powerful indicator. You might feel a deep, instinctual pull towards certain actions or decisions that align with your higher purpose.
Desire to Serve:
An overwhelming desire to help others and make a positive impact in the world often accompanies a calling. This desire goes beyond mere sympathy or empathy; it’s a compelling urge to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.
Emotional Resonance:
Certain activities, causes, or ideas resonate deeply with you, evoking strong emotional responses. This emotional connection can be a sign that these elements are aligned with your calling.
Answering the Call
Recognizing the call is just the beginning. Answering it requires courage, commitment, and often, significant change. Again, a mentor is required to navigate the process of answering the Call. The mentor can be one’s biological or spiritual parents or trusted friends who have undergone similar experiences. Here are steps to help you embrace your calling:
Self-Reflection:
Take time to reflect on your experiences, feelings, and the signs you’ve observed. Journaling, meditation, or deep conversations with trusted friends or mentors can help clarify your thoughts and feelings.
Seek Guidance:
Consult with spiritual advisors, mentors, or counselors who can offer insight and support. They can provide a different perspective and help you navigate your path.
Educate Yourself:
Learning more about your areas of Call or passion can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue the calling effectively. Attend Christian workshops, conferences, read extensively, and engage with communities that share your interests.
Embrace Change:
Be prepared to make changes in your life. This might involve altering your career path, changing your lifestyle, or moving to a new location. Embracing change can be daunting, but it’s often necessary to align your life with your calling. Seek God through prayer and fasting before making any move.
Set Goals, Objectives, and Visions:
Clearly define your goals and intentions. What do you hope to achieve? How do you want to make an impact? Setting intentions can provide direction and motivation as you move forward.
Take Action:
Small, consistent actions can lead to significant progress over time. Start with manageable steps and gradually take on more significant challenges as you gain confidence and clarity.
Cultivate Resilience:
The journey of answering a call is rarely smooth. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Cultivating resilience again through prayer and fasting, meditating on God’s Word, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support from others can help you stay the course.
Stay Connected:
Building and maintaining a support network of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, inspiration, and accountability. Sharing your journey with others who understand and support your calling can be immensely valuable.
Examples from Life
Throughout history, many individuals have exemplified what it means to answer a higher calling. Consider figures like Mother Teresa, who felt a profound call to serve the poor and sick in Calcutta. Her journey wasn’t easy—she faced numerous challenges, including significant health issues and bureaucratic obstacles. Yet, her unwavering commitment to her calling led to the founding of the Missionaries of Charity, which has helped countless people worldwide.
Another example is Mahatma Gandhi, whose calling to lead India to independence through non-violent resistance changed the course of history. His journey was marked by numerous hardships, including imprisonment and personal sacrifices. However, his dedication to his cause and his ability to inspire others to join his mission led to profound social and political change.
Similar example is that of Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 years for opposing the apartheid government of South Africa. He later became the President of South Africa in a democratically elected government. If Mandiba hadn’t stepped up to answer the call, apartheid would still exist in South Africa.
Here, in the U.S., we cannot deny the chosen role which Rosa Parks played in ending segregation.
The Role of Faith and Spirituality
For many, answering a call is deeply intertwined with faith and spirituality. Belief in a higher power, whether it’s within a religious framework or a more personal spiritual understanding, can provide the strength and guidance needed to pursue a calling. Faith can offer comfort during difficult times, helping individuals to stay grounded and focused on their purpose.
Spiritual practices such as fasting, prayer, meditation, and participation in religious or spiritual communities can enhance one’s connection to their calling. These practices offer a way to seek clarity, gain insight, and receive support from others who share similar beliefs and values.
Practical Tips for Staying on Course
- Keep your Bible close: Read, study, and meditate on it day and night. Let it guide your steps and thoughts.
- Create a Vision Board: Visual representation of your goals and aspirations can serve as a constant reminder of your calling and keep you motivated.
- Set Milestones: Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate each success to maintain momentum and stay encouraged.
- Maintain a Healthy Balance: Ensure that you are taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. A balanced life enables you to be more effective in pursuing your calling.
- Stay Open to Learning: Embrace a growth mindset. Be willing to learn from your experiences, seek feedback, and continuously improve.
- Give Back: Helping others can reinforce your sense of purpose and keep you connected to your calling. Volunteer, mentor, or find other ways to contribute to your community.
In conclusion, the journey of answering a call is deeply personal and unique to each individual. While many may feel the stirrings of a higher purpose, only a few choose to embrace the path fully. Recognizing the signs of a calling and taking intentional steps to answer it can lead to a fulfilling and impactful life. It requires self-reflection, courage, resilience, and often, a significant transformation in how one lives and engages with the world. Yet, the rewards of living a life aligned with one’s calling—marked by purpose, fulfillment, and a lasting legacy—are immeasurable. Whether through small acts of kindness or monumental achievements, those who answer the call, are the chosen ones, and they contribute immensely to the betterment of humanity, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Think-Talk 