Some thoughts on calling

Since when did calling ever equate with a paycheck?

It's a question I've been pondering some time now.

Isn't it odd that most people that talk about calling as far as churches go are the ones that are getting paid by the church? Even when they start talking to others about 'calling' it's often in regard to ministry or church vocation.

Is that Biblical?

How many Biblical characters that have responded to God's call on their life ended up (or started off) as holy people working for that particular generation's expression of church? It seems like I can remember a lot more people that weren't than were. I think a good example is Amos.

Amos the fig farmer is sent by God to speak some very harsh words to the king. Interesting though that Amos is a fig farmer before he goes off and, by all accounts, returns to the fig farm after he's done what God asked of him.

I can think of very rare occasions where people have opted to NOT take a new job in a new location because they felt called to remain doing their part in a local community of believers. It's as if 'calling' equates 'I get paid by the church' and if one isn't employed then there's a different idea of 'calling.'

What if we viewed calling apart from vocation? Sure, some have a vocation that matches their calling, but it seems as though those that are lifted up in churches are those in leadership.

What about the plumber who's served in the youth ministry forever because he's called to serving young people?

What about the mom working half-time that spends her spare time visiting shut-ins and folks at the nursing home?

What about the retired grandma that spends every Sunday in the nursery at church so that young families can have a worshipful experience together?

I am fortunate. I am one of the fortunate few that have a calling and vocation that intersect. One of the things that bring such great joy?

Seeing people that understand that calling is more about who they are, and less about what they do.