A Higher Calling

Chris Railey approached me today and followed up on a subject I tweeted about a few days ago. I asked a simple question, “Is it true that some people have a higher calling than others?” His response was interesting, and I am still sorting through what I believe about it.

This issue was brought to my attention during a conversation I recently had with a friend, who suggested that someone we both know has a “higher calling” because of his talents and influence. Something immediately went off in my mind, and I thought “no, that can’t be right.” The question now, then, is whether my instant disagreement stems actual truth or from my own insecurity and pride. In other words, do I disagree because it’s actually false or because I don’t want to feel “lower” than this person who has a “higher calling?”

Well, I think it should be said that any time a person is made to feel lesser, whatever it is that brought them to that place must be at least examined. Some things are difficult, but I think if there is a perspective that allows for everyone to feel important and useful by God, then it should be the viewpoint we hold. Does that make sense? The more I rested on this question the more clarity I feel I was given.

The answer, I think, is certainly that of perspective. On one hand, people like Moses clearly have “higher” or more “important” callings than others, but that isn’t to say that other callings aren’t important. Also, it needs to be realized that God could have chosen anyone he wanted for the purposes Moses carried out. So, the purpose must be separated from the person, and when that’s that case, then I say yes, there are higher purposes. But, there certainly are not higher people, so in that sense the claim is invalid.

Regardless, I think it’s important we don’t compare ourselves, and then even if we do see someone operating in a higher “task” than us, we must be careful not to allow the root of bitterness, pride, and envy spring up, because it leads only to death and uncertainty.