How can I know what my spiritual calling is?

from the new testament

• All believers fulfill their spiritual calling when we follow the instructions presented in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
• In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commissions his apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Discipling others isn’t a job just for the apostles or pastors; all Christians are called by Christ to do so.
• The apostle James described every Christian’s calling in James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Our duty is to love and help others.

implications for today

“Not my job”—ever heard that phrase? Even if we wouldn’t say that to someone, we tend to think of our jobs as having specific duties and forget about the part of the job description that stated, “other duties as assigned.” Everyday Christians, who may not hold the office of pastor, deacon, or even Bible study leader, still have “other duties as assigned,” which Scripture describes. For instance, we’re all called to witness about Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:15). This doesn’t just take place at official church events; we have the same opportunity at our jobs, in the line at the grocery store, and during phone calls with a customer service representative. Why wouldn’t we feel pulled to share with others what we have? Our spiritual calling also includes helping others. This means more than just saying, “I’ll pray for you” (though we should always pray for others!). It means bringing a sick brother or sister a meal, driving an elderly parishioner to church on Sundays, and putting some extra money in the donation plate for a stranger whose family home burned down (James 2:14–16). Christians have a spiritual calling to do that which manifests our love for the Lord and the priority we place on His kingdom. As the Bible teaches, we all have spiritual callings that are to be lived out in whatever specific callings God has placed in our lives, such as jobs, situations we face, and relationships we have.