Our Common Calling | Dagim Tekle '24

We are all different individuals, each wonderfully and uniquely created by the Father. Thus, it follows that if we are unique, then everyone has unique purposes. This sounds about right. Not everyone is an Engineer, Artist, Architect, Lawyer, Doctor, Minister, Parent, etc. Each person has unique callings and gifts. But it would be a grave error to suggest that since everyone is unique, there is no such a thing common calling. 

I have spent a great deal of time thinking and overthinking about who I will become, and what unique callings are placed on me. But I have often done so in ignoring the common callings found in the Scriptures. In other words, I have neglecting reading and applying the very words of God in favor of waiting for a voice (that sounds like Morgan Freeman’s) to speak to me from above. Although I believe the Lord can do that, I heard someone say something like: “If I want to direct access to God’s words, read the Bible.”

In reading the scriptures, I found that several scriptures provide simplifications and elaborations of what it means to live the good life—a life full of meaning, joy, and purpose. One of these is the teaching of Jesus where he says “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be added onto you.” In other words, prioritize my ways and my kingdom, and I will take care of the rest. Not gonna lie, that’s a pretty sweet deal!

So how do we seek first the kingdom of God? Jesus answered a similar question when a Pharisee asked him what the greatest commandments were: Love God, Love people. Of course, he elaborates, love God with all your heart (affection), mind (attention), and strength (action), and Love your neighbor as yourself. Simple, but not easy. And the more I think about it, the more I see how this common calling is foundational in other common callings like the great commission.

So, though I do not have this voice-from-God calling in my life, I do have common calling from God’s word. As I begin my career in Software Engineering, I’m excited for the plethora of ways I can love God and my neighbors.