Realistic Calling

Is there anything worse in life than to be assigned a task or job and not have the necessary tools or resources to accomplish it? What a frustration that is and anyone who has ever been in that spot knows exactly what I am talking about.

Each one of us who have accepted the grace of Jesus has been given gifts of the spirit and God given talents. In essence we have been given the tools and resources to do what God wants us to do.

What’s even better is each one of us has a unique set of tools and resources suited just for us!

However, I see more and more this thread of thought that says we can be good at anything.

We can do anything and not just be good or do, but we can excel and be the very best with hard work and effort.

Not only can we excel, but we should excel and that anything less than excellence is failure.

How does that work!?

This thought is so unrealistic and dooms us all to failure.

I could work hard for 5 hours a day, get the best coaching and training available and despite my best efforts still be a terrible singer.

Why?

Because I do not have any talent in this area and no matter how hard I try or how much I want it, I will still be a terrible singer. Sure, I may have slight improvement, but will not excel or be on the best. I would be far from it.

The sad part is our kids are being pushed and pushed to be better

do more

excel

be the best

work harder

put in more time

and for what result . . . . failed expectations or frustration when they come up short in areas they are not gifted or talented.

Have we ever stopped to think that maybe God gave them gifts and talents in other areas to be used for His glory?

While overall we should want our kids to do the best they can, to expect them to be the best and be the best at everything is an expectation that only Jesus Himself could meet.

Paul’s writings make it pretty clear that we have a calling as followers of Christ. How much better would it be to use our spiritual gifts and God given talents to fulfill that calling?

Focusing our gifts and talents for the contribution to the Kingdom will be far more rewarding, far more gratifying and produce more success, than chasing an unrealistic expectation.

We have been called, may we use what God has bestowed upon us to fulfill that calling and may we encourage our kids to do the same.