If you are anything like me you have often thought about what is next in life.
- What will the next season of my life hold?
- Where will I be?
- What will I be doing?
- Who will I be with?
- What in life am I called to?
My 20s was a period of life filled with those questions and more. We all want a meaningful life. Yet, how do we get there? Here are three truths about discerning calling that have helped me survive my twenties and come out on the other side striving with purpose toward what Jesus is calling me to.
Listen to diverse voices:
We often live in communities of people who are similar to us in many ways. This limits our ability to see how big and beautiful the world around us is. Intentionally putting yourself in spaces where you are “the other” can deeply clarify what is important to you in life and can help to discern calling. This is best done in person, but can be done many other ways. Begin reading authors who are different than you. A great place to start is with who you read 140 characters at a time. Go through those you follow on twitter (or your favorite social media platform) and begin to follow a few voices who are significantly different than you. How do they see the world?
Another great way is through the wonderful invention of the TED talk! They’re under a half hour of challenging inspiration. I know a few of these helped me put language on feelings I had been having about life, or provided new ways for me to think. You’re less likely to regret spending 18 minutes on a TED talk than scrolling your Facebook feed for 18 minutes.
Here is one I love!
This bite size style of speaking will be front and center at the CauseCon in April! Come and hear some of the Vineyard’s best leaders providing TED-style talks on the values of the Vineyard and how to find your calling.
Good reflection needs self reflection:
Discerning calling is as much about learning about the deepest needs of the world as it is about deeply getting to know yourself. Learning about yourself can seem like a daunting task. However, there are some great tools that will help you learn more about yourself. There are great tools like the Myer-Briggs, DISC assessment, and Strengths Finder, that will begin to tell you some of your styles and tendencies. If you want to go even further, dive head first into one of the first typology tools called the Enneagram. People of faith have been using this tool for centuries to help them see how God has wired them.
Nothing can replace the voice of Jesus in your life though. He knows us more deeply that we do. We have to continue going to him for knowledge of self.
Discern in Community:
It has been said that “God told me” is the start of the discernment process, not the trump card to end it. Vineyard pastor Michael Gatlin often says, “Discernment is a team sport.” Having a core group of friends, mentors, and family to share your process of discernment is the Biblical model for discerning what God has called you to. American and western culture often tells us to figure it out on our own. We just don’t see that in scripture very often. Most of the time God is gently and quietly guiding his people communally toward what he is calling them to.
It can be overwhelming to continue to discern the great things you are being called to in life. Thankfully, Jesus simply calls us to say “Yes” to the next step. How are you learning about discernment in your life right now?