What does it mean to be “called” by God?

That query has been pondered for many ages. Is it an audible voice that comes from the sky? Is it written down somewhere to be discovered? Is it written in the sky? Will I hear something in my heart? Will the aligning of circumstances make it obvious to me? Do I determine God's call on my life by casting a "fleece" test? Will I experience profound peace once I submit to what I believe is God's calling on my life? Are Pastors and missionaries the only servants who experience God's calling, or does everyone who submits to serving God experience it?

Consider the Biblical illustration from Isaiah 6:

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." — (Isaiah 6:8)
First of all, God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, “…who will go for Us?” So what does that mean? Whether I hear God’s call depends first of all on being in the right place, under the right circumstances, and at the right time. Are the conditions favorable for me to listen intentionally?

And exactly what I hear depends upon the condition of my heart.

Most of us do not have evil hearts, but many of us have divided hearts. The Bible says, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8. We want to please God and man. We want to keep the favor of the Lord and of the world. God’s message rings out to us as Elijah’s did to Israel, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered not a word” (1Kings 18:21). THERE ARE JUST TWO CHOICES ON THE SHELF: PLEASING GOD OR PLEASING SELF! “No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else, he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24)

Heart Condition One: Submission to God's calling is a means to an end.

Yielding to God's call to the ministry should not be like the consolation prize after all other options and opportunities have been exhausted. Nor should it be a temporary stepping-stone until something better becomes available. Some critics of Christian education surmise that they (the teachers) couldn’t get a job in the public sector or couldn't find anything else to do… so they teach at a Christian school. After all, they’ll take anybody with a willing mind, a decent work ethic, and some Sunday school-level experience.  

If the condition of our heart is nothing more than finding something to do or a means to pay the bills, then the reputation and effectiveness of ministry are weakened. For example, a common perception of the Christian school is that it is incompetent, ignorant, and a substandard educational institution.

If that is the condition of our heart, then the effects are…

• A Christian who works in a Christian school.
• An employee who only gives limited or half-hearted effort to the ministry.
• Their position is a job, a means to an end.
• They are a nice person who enjoys working in a nice place among nice people.
• There is no real dedication, extraordinary preparation, passion, or heart.
• Turnover is constant. Commitment is like a revolving door.

Heart Condition Two: Total commitment because God’s calling is the purpose.

Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). That is, few prove themselves to be chosen. 

The chosen ones are those who have entered into a vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, had their spiritual condition changed, and had their ears opened. They are committed. They hear the voice of the Lord continually asking, “…who will go for Us?”

If we allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we too will hear what Isaiah heard— “the voice of the Lord.” In perfect unconditional freedom, we too will say, “Here am I! Send me.” Those who prove their calling are obvious to colleagues, parents, and students alike. Their heart condition epitomizes what Colossians 3:23 directs: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

The characteristics of the "called" are as follows:

• One who is “called” exhibits a wholehearted effort in the task that God has placed before them. They“…do it heartily….”
• They practice the presence of God in everything they do.  “Here am I, send me,” regardless of the conditions, comfort, or conflict. Coram Deo, Latin for “before the face of God,” was the early greeting of the Puritans when they met one another.  This phrase was a purposeful reminder that everything, everyone, and everyplace is in the presence of the Lord.
• They view those they minister to through God's eyes. “…as to the Lord…not unto men.” A Christian Worldview sees every person as created in the image of God, in need of salvation and a relationship with Him. 
• They view their work as a special mission directly from the Lord. Their passion is evident in how they prepare, use their time, and engage with those they encounter “…whatsoever ye do…”
• They are an ever-learner who appreciates critique and the opportunity for improvement “…ye do, do it as to the Lord….” 

Ask yourself these questions (be brutally honest with your answers):

• Do others see a lackadaisical attitude toward the Lord’s work?
• Do they see real joy and Biblical success in my life?
• Do they see and hear how God is working in my life?
• Do I place importance on prayer?
• Do I yield to the “divine appointments” (teachable moments) that God brings into our lives?
• Do I exhibit discipline in meeting responsibilities?
• Do others witness hypocrisy and inconsistency?
• Do they see token faithfulness to the local church?
• Do others witness disloyalty in how I react to or complete my expectations and requirements?

As stated earlier, Isaiah was in the presence of God, and he overheard an inquiry (read Isaiah 6 for the vision he had of the Lord on His throne—Wow!). God did not force His will on Isaiah. His unconditional response, performed in complete freedom, could only be to say, “Here am I! Send me.” He didn’t say to send me if the conditions are favorable, if they like me, if they are cooperative, if the authority supports me, or if the pay and benefits are sufficient.

His spiritual attitude was in line with God’s. He was tuned in to hear the Lord’s voice. He simply said, “I’m confidently and completely in!” 

E M Bounds in his devotional book My Utmost for His Highest states, “When our Lord called His disciples, He did it without pressure from the outside. The quiet, yet passionate, insistence of His “Follow Me” was spoken to men whose every sense was receptive” (see Matthew 4:19).

Final Thoughts:

1. Are you called of God? 
2. If you have settled that you are called, where are you called to serve? Isaiah surrendered to go first, then God directed him. Not being where God wants you is spiritually dangerous; you may miss His call. (see Rom. 12:1)
3. Are you giving a wholehearted effort? One of the most telltale signs of Christians presenting the Savior in unattractive packaging is the lack of young people who fear (respect) the Lord and follow the Lord into ministry. If they see only frustration, discontent, and a wounded spirit among those in the ministry, why would they consider God's will?

These are simple thoughts and are probably very familiar to most Christians. The principles can be applied to anything that God calls his disciples to do.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14)