We've all heard them.
We all fear them.
We fear them so much that the fear of a counterfeit calling may cause us to doubt a genuine Call from God.
A counterfeit calling seems to be inspired, smacks of the divine, and is simply - well, too good to be true.
Well, it is.
How do we distinguish between a true Calling from God on our lives vs. a counterfeit calling?
First, live your life in co-submission within a community of Godly people who know your strengths and weaknesses. Lone rangers don't have "missions", they have street fights.
Second, know the Scriptures, and test every "word" from God with the character and instruction we learn from His written Word.
Third, sell out wholeheartedly to personal discipleship, including the ultimate Ideal - to carry the cross that He has given you all the way to your own Golgotha.
There are common, distinguishing marks that help us recognize a Calling from God vs. a counterfeit calling.
A true Calling is teachable.
A counterfeit calling is closed to the counsel of Godly leaders.
A true Calling seeks fellowship.
A counterfeit calling thinks no-one would understand.
A true Calling is bittersweet - it is death, without the sting.
A counterfeit calling is self-aggrandizing.
A true Calling points to Christ.
A counterfeit calling points to me and the fulfillment of my "gifts".
A true Calling is selfless.
A counterfeit calling is about gain.
A true Calling is private and patient.
A counterfeit calling is driven and public.
A true Calling is birthed in the hush of Communion.
A counterfeit calling is formed from my own desires.
A true Calling is unveiled over time, and takes shape in the context of deep personal discipleship, requiring more work and more sacrifice than I could ever imagine.
A counterfeit calling is an epiphany, followed by an obsession.
Jesus' true Calling led Him to His cross.
Mine will, too.
Bob Mumford says we must embrace our own cross - the cross that Christ has called us to bear - so passionately, that we fall in love with the calling because of our love for the One who has called us, until we not only accept the high personal cost, but out of honor and love for the One we imitate, we kiss our own cross until we have a mouth full of splinters.
