How to discover your true calling

The ultimate question asked by everyone is "What is my true calling?" Some of us may feel we don't have anything legitimate. Then there are others we all want to roll out eyes at which may have a hard time narrowing down what they would believe to be theirs. Despite the different approaches on this question, the journey towards the answer remains the same.

• An open mind

Things You'll Need:

1. ASSESS YOUR TALENTS. We are all born with unique talents. You may be gifted in the arts be it writing, visual, acting, singing or dancing. Some talents may not necessarily be as obvious. Some of these are hospitality, knowledge, administration and the like. Do not disregard any capability. "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:30). If you doubt whether spoon juggling is a talent, research the web to see how thousands of others have taken their "insufficient" talent and have received tremendous recognition for it.
   
2. DEVELOP YOUR TALENTS. Practice makes perfect. Once you have discovered these talents, if you have not yet done so, take at least one hour of your day to train or practice this skill. This will enhance what you have already assessed. It can also direct you into other avenues of talent you never knew you had. Take this time to read the story of "The Parable of the Talents" in Matthew 25 and you'll see what I mean.
   
3. WORKFORCE? Decide whether you see yourself utilizing these talents as a hobby, profession or ministry. Remember that a non ministerial job does not make you less of a Christian. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23). If it is something you would see yourself doing as a profession, research various websites or companies within that field that will allow you to do so. For example, visual arts can be found in various Graphic Design, Web or Multimedia jobs. Drama, singing, writing or even dancing can be pursued within theater or teaching. Hospitality jobs can be found within the hotel industry while administration can be achieved in the corporate world or any company needing organizational support.
   
4. MINISTRY? Should you feel your talents can manifest within a ministry, look within your local church to see where you can participate. Is there a drama group within your church? Not only can you contribute with acting, but you can assist in writing scripts, props and stage background drops and in some cases maybe even dancing. If you have the gift of hospitality, you can become a greeter or usher. Administrators can probably find places in committees as secretaries or treasurers. Some select few may even feel they are called to be a minister. If this is you, GOOD LUCK! If you're looking for job descriptions of what the church is looking for, take a look at the big book! (1 Timothy 3)
   
5. TAKE THAT FIRST STEP. Although many discover their talents, few take that first steps by walking in their calling through them. Just remember that God has blessed us all with specific purposes (1 Corinthians 12:12-20). There is not one that is less specific than others. In fact, we are all supposed to live our purpose if we are to function as a whole.

By Yvonne Lopez