A call to leadership
Dec 13, 2009 Discussion Topics, Leadership Lessons of Jesus
Posted by
The Edge
Is there such thing as a “special calling” for those in leadership? I’ve often argued against it, believing that often those claiming a “special calling” of God upon their lives have used it inappropriately to guilt others into following them. I confess that’s a bit too cynical–I do in fact believe God can write a special purpose on the heart of individuals, but I believe it is more personal and subject to fallible human interpretation than some would like to believe.
Yet between us and God, we have to seek the Lord’s will for our lives, and look for affirmation or denial of what that will is. The book Leadership Lessons of Jesus calls that “laying out the fleece,” an apt use of Gideon’s test of whether God was behind him or not:
Judges 6:36-38 – Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised-look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
Then there is the idea of a “general calling” rather than a “special calling.” I am definitely more comfortable with the scriptural application of this principle. All are called to study the Word like the Bereans. All are called to ministry. All are called to service. We are each to find our niche and opportunistically look for ways to live out our calling as believers.
Questions for discussion
- What is the difference between a “special calling” and a “general calling?”
- Can you think of examples in scripture supporting a special calling? Was it a personal conviction only, or a conviction that came with the authority to carry it out?
- God blesses each of us with unique gifts or talents. Are you gifted in a particular area? Are you using that gift?
- In areas where you think God has given you a special gift or talent, do you feel called to step out in front and lead? Did Moses.
- Is “laying out the fleece” something we ought to be doing today or was this a situation unique to the Old Testament era? Was Gideon’s test commendable or a sign of weak faith?
Scriptures to consider
- Judges 6:36-38 – Gideon laying out the fleece
- Romans 12:5-7 – Gifts and talents
- Ephesians 4:1 – General calling
- Acts 16:9 – Special calling
Tags: Calling, Gifts, Leadership
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