That question has bothered me for the longest.
For one thing, the Bible never talks about a “call to write,” though 
many writers and artists describe their occupation in those terms. As if they were destined to tell stories. Sounds corny, but that’s the way I felt when I began seriously pursuing writing in the spring of ‘04. All those years yearning for something deeper, truer, more fulfilling. Until I hit the keyboard and suddenly discovered the purpose for my existence.
If anything, it was a convenient way to spiritualize what I had a hankerin’ for.
But, really, where does writing fit in with the other spiritual gifts? You know, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)? And there’s others, like hospitality, exhortation, giving, helps, and administration (Rom. 12, Eph. 4, and I Pet. 4). Funny, but the “gift of writing” isn’t there.
So what about offices? Maybe being a writer fills a specific role in the church? Ephesians 4:11 summarizes those offices like this:
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers (NASB)
What? No novelists and news hacks? You’d think writers would, at least, be up there with apostles and prophets.
So I’m beginning to wonder if the term “called” is used too recklessly nowadays. I mean, people usually feel called to great things — to become President, to be the next J.K. Rowlings, to be a guest on Oprah, to dunk on LeBron. But how come people don’t feel called to “lesser” endeavors? I mean, have you ever met someone called to be a custodian, a night watchman, or a mechanic? Probably not. People in those professions are usually looking for an exit strategy. So why is it that we only feel divinely inspired when it comes to great, grandiose destinies? Where would we be if God didn’t call some people to take our trash to the dump, change the oil in our car, and disinfect the bedpans in the nursing home?
Of course, all those folks are dreaming of, one day, writing a book.
All right, so maybe writing isn’t that big of a calling. It’s just the byproduct of a cluster of talents that, when properly aligned, cause one to compose. But you still require a certain skill set to be good at it. Right? I mean, you need to be proficient with words (and after listening to my kids’ grammar, it’s obvious everybody isn’t called to be good with words). And you’ve got to be able to make things up and do so convincingly (which could explain why I lied so much as a child: I was exercising my gift). Problem is, there’s plenty of mediocre books out there. Which leads me to ask whether God made a mistake in calling certain authors, or whether some authors just ain’t called.
Of course, some of these un-called writers are now famous.
I know, I know — I’m over-thinking this. I should just chill out and do my thing. Besides, being called to write has its upside. I mean, what better way to blame God for my obsession?
Perhaps if you have to ask, the answer is "no". Yes, I think you're overthinking it, Mike. If you're unsatisfied with referring to what you're bent to do from the inside out a "call", then so be it. I've had three constants in my life since I was a young child. Writing is one of them. I thought on occasion that it was a mere means of expression, but it has always shown up until the timing became apparent by a near audible voice from the Lord (honest) for it to forcefully enter into my days. It is a call.
And, Mike, we've had this discussion in the past with a certain author (;) ) about excellence, but this "call" isn't about man's excellence. It's about obedience to the Lord's direction for a life. Even the shoddiest of best efforts can be chosen to minister. Look at the human race.
Nicole, while I agree that a "calling" isn't about "excellence" as much as it is "obedience," if the Lord's behind it, excellence should prevail. God wants only our best offerings. A writer who feels "called by God" shows it by growing in the craft. If that's true, maybe writers who do not get better simply prove they're not "called." It's something to think about…
I want to reiterate this same point one more time, Mike. Excellence in obedience shall prevail if the Lord's giving the instruction or "call", but just because a man determines my craft isn't excellent or your craft isn't up to his standard of excellence means nothing to God. Just because you and I hate a certain writer's work–think it's crafted poorly or lacks sound structure or seems amateurish–while we can hold that opinion giving sound reasons and values relating to craft–it means nothing if God ordained its writing and production/publication. We can scratch our heads or give it a bad review, stating all our valid reasoning, but if it was done in obedience, the Lord is pleased with the work. And that's generally something you and I can't determine as an absolute either way.
(Part two)
The "best" writing is judged by the Lord with a different set of rules–I'm convinced of that. We are not the judges, and we really don't make the rules. The differences of opinion in man's views might gain us acceptance in certain circles, but what really matters is what the Lord deems valuable. JMO
I write because if I don't I feel as though I might explode. Though I'm a Christian, I've never considered my "writing" a calling. I would consider it a gift as many have told me they couldn't spin a tale the way I do. Since my spiritual blinders are always on when I write, I'd even call it a spiritual gift as it didn't come from anyone else. 🙂 As far as the use of the term mediocre books, well, that's sort of subjective, isn't it? What's mediocre to one may not be mediocre to another. As well, what may be Christian Fiction to one, may not be Christian Fiction to another. Writing, at least for me, is not a calling. The only way I'd consider it such, is if it were geared directly to lead others to my faith.
Sue, I tend to agree that writing is more a "gifting" than it is a "calling." It's important to distinguish between the two. Just because someone has certain talents does not mean they are "called" to a specific profession. "Calling" would require "gifting," but "gifting" does not guarantee "calling."
Actually Mike I've often though the real problem is the kind of importance we attach to the word "calling." In actual fact we are only called to do one thing in the church – serve. We are called to serve the Lord and we are called to serve each other. How we serve varies from person to person and place to place, but the calling is always the same – Service.
I'm the sound person at our local congregation. I do have a "gift" for storytelling and I am a bit of a writer, and I function in those roles from time to time; but what brings me the most satisfaction is to sit in the booth and make sure that the congregation and the people listening on the Internet hear everything there is to hear. I know from the feedback I get (no audio pun intended) that it is a valuable service because the Word and the message reach the intended audience.
It is my "calling" because it is the place where I serve. Sound person is not listed among the spiritual gifts either, but that's okay, because I know I am serving God and the church in what I do.
So the real question I would suggest is this: Is your writing an viable act of service to the Lord and to the church? Does it serve to encourage, enlighten, instruct, or build up the church towards being more like Christ? Does it serve to spread the gospel of Christ to those who need to hear it or encourage others to do so. If it does any of these things then it is a fulfillment of your "calling" because you are called to serve and your writing is a viable is a viable act of service.
Dennis, I led worship for 11 years at our church, so I can confirm the value of a good sound guy. How much of it is "calling" v. "gifting" I don't know. Although, if a sound guy couldn't "dial it in," you'd have to question his ear. And in the case of sound men, a "good ear" is more valuable than a "good heart."
The question of writing as a "viable act of service to the Lord and to the church,'" is another story. In the simplest sense, what of the person who is gifted to write and pursues a career in sports journalism, developing school curricula, or as a humorist for the local newspaper? Is their writing not a "viable act of service" unless it actively contains the Gospel? Scripture says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col. 3:23 NIV). This seems to suggest that even if I write for Cat Fancy, if I do it with all my heart, I can somehow be used by God. Dennis, thanks for your comments! Blessings!
This is an idea I've talked about before (here, actually: http://www.heatheragoodman.com/content/called-wri… Then I did a whole series on the idea of wisdom on the Tapestry blog because I think we throw the idea of calling around, mostly using it to justify our own desires.
I believe God sometimes calls people to certain roles (even here we need to be careful–does this mean he's calling us to a general role, such as teacher, or to teach at this specific church, etc) and sometimes God gives us talents and passions and we have the responsibility to do with them what we will, keeping in mind that he calls all of us to serve his kingdom.
Not only do we use "calling" to justify our desires or recruit God into what we want, but we also use it because we don't understand wisdom. We don't understand what it means to take responsibility and make choices wisely, so we over-spiritualize.
Am I called to write (and is there a separate question for being called to publish?)? I'll put it this way: I love writing, and others (besides my mom) have affirmed that I have a certain talent for it. This opens up choices: do I write as a conduit to work out my own questions? Or do I write also for other people, so that they may know they're not alone in their questions and doubts and fears and desires and dreams? I choose to pursue excellence in this venue in order to serve God by creating something beautiful and by endeavoring to bring this beauty to others.
If I chose not to, does that mean I'm turning my back on God's calling? I don't believe so.
Oddly enough, I HAVE known people who are called to be mechanics — like the man who spoke no English when a team I was with in central Cameroun flixed our broken down truck for free (NOT just changing sparkplugs, mind you)…it allowed us to get to our next church and share the Gospel…but I cannot tell you if anyone was saved because of his work on our car. I have known people who feel a profound sense of calling to do some of the most menial work imaginable…by me. I have also known women who have felt called into the ministry as pastors and (in the mid-1970's) were told that that wasn't possible because didn't call women to be pastors. I agree that we toss the word "called" around a bit freely; but if someone says they feel the calling of God…who am I to say, "Nope. God don't call writers. He only calls prophets, evangelists…teachers (BTW, there are some who argue that only teachers IN THE CHURCH are called, not your garden variety "public school science teacher" (which is what I am))." I'm not going to be the one who steps up and says, "Nope, you ain't called."
Appreciate your comments, Guy. While I agree that we can't judge who is "called" to what, I still worry that Christians are far too quick to legitimize a hobby, talent, or ministry, based on this notion of "calling." I've seen many Christians who felt "called" to pursue a music ministry, only to return hurt, bitter, broke and broken. Maybe both extremes are wrong — begrudging people who say they're "called" and believing everybody who says they are.
I'd accede to that whole-heartedly!
I can see it both ways. But just to throw a wrench in the system….What do you do with these guys?
Craftsmen: http://tinyurl.com/n7wjf5
Embroiderers: http://tinyurl.com/ktybjl
Foremen: http://tinyurl.com/mpyfhl
It's not a "wrench," Kaci. If "whatever" we do can be done for God's glory (Col. 3:23), then, as O.W. Holmes said, "Every calling is great when greatly pursued." That includes craftsmen, embroiderers, and foremen. The difference here, I think, is that the call to build the Temple was a specific, one-time shot. The fact that they had been laboring all their lives honing their craft prepared them for this "calling." This isn't meant to suggest that their normal routines and bread-and-butter trades were inconsequential, but that there is a distinction between giftings and callings, and one leads to the other. Laboring with little prepared them for bigger things. In other words, I might enjoy writing and be relatively good at it (like the craftsmen, embroiderers, and foremen). But being "called" to employ that gift for a specific, God-ordained commission, is another story.
I was tossing it out there. If you want to say it that way, then most of the time we're using the word 'calling' (ie: the one time shot) when we should be saying 'purpose,' if that makes sense. I did get the point; that was just the only way I could find to jump in. Mostly just thinking.
I am called to make Christ known. The way I do that is through my gifts, which lie in the areas of communication and writing. My pastor is called to make Christ known. He does that through his gifts, which are preaching, administration, teaching, etc. My mechanic is called to make Christ known. He does that through his gifts, which are understanding mechanical things and what makes them tick. At least that's my take on it.
In his book "Experiencing God," Blackaby suggests God doesn't so much care WHAT we do, but that we join Him where He is working and do what we can, with our gifts and talents, to further the kingdom of God. I can live with that calling.
Yes, I think you're over thinking it. Yes, I think you should just do your thing. Does it matter one way or another? In my opinion? Not even. You want to write. You may feel compelled to do so. You decided to give it your all in 2004. Fantastic! Keep doing that. In addition, I think we should all stop talking about the mediocre writing of others and write. You may very well be doing that, Mike. But if you're (a collective your) talking about other people's lack of skill in writing and yet you (collective you) yourself aren't doing actually writing, here's my suggestion: shut your pie hole and write. And I know that there are people out there like that. I know them personally.
I agree with Michael Ehret by the way. I also believe that there are plenty of custodians and others who are perfectly content where they're at. I think it's presumptuous to think otherwise. I don't know that God is so much worried about the title (garbage man, custodian, mechanic, teacher, miner, doctor). I think instead, He is focused on our sanctification. And as a mechanic, custodian, teacher, doctor, are you, as Michael said, making Christ known? Regardless of your profession, are you who He has called you to be? And frankly, that calling is all about a life exuding His presence. Is He glorified? Are you loving those He places in your pathway, as His Word calls you to?
Can a "mediocre" writer please God? Glorify God? Make Christ known? You may not like their writing but I say . . . absolutely. He cares only about the heart. And I really don't think He is asking us for our opinion about who is mediocre.
Preach it, Sister!
Elaina, three quick things:
(1) I'm surprised at your tone. This post was originally written as a sort of tongue-in-cheek rumination about my own personal struggles. Funny how serious it's gotten.
(2) I've never suggested that one calling is superior to another. From the post: "Where would we be if God didn’t call some people to take our trash to the dump, change the oil in our car, and disinfect the bedpans in the nursing home?"
(3) Re: mediocrity. Condemning people is one thing. Critiquing their craft is another. Mediocrity, depending upon the person / situation, is often tolerable, but for Christians it should never be acceptable (see upcoming post), which is why I'm puzzled at your defense of poor craft.
And one additional point for your enjoyment: I DO over-think things.
1. I was reacting to certain words and phrases you used. For instance, "I mean, have you ever met someone called to be a custodian, a night watchman, or a mechanic? Probably not. People in those professions are usually looking for an exit strategy." Perhaps I've read one too many things lately by a specific Christian writer that has set me on fire. And perhaps I read this statement in light hers? But saying that people in those professions are "usually looking for an exit strategy," was what really got to me. There are people all over the world who are perfectly content doing what they do with no desire to be anything but a garbage collector, truck driver, or mechanic. If I need to go into detail, I'll email you the people I know personally.
2. I did not defend mediocrity. Since you're surprised at my tone, let me just say how surprised I am that this was your conclusion after reading what I wrote. My point was that I believe a person can glorify Christ in WHATEVER they do. And they don't need to follow Mike Duran's (or Elaina Avalos' or ______) rules or ideas in order to do that. They simply need to offer whatever they do to our Creator as offerings of worship. Lets say you're a caregiver of an elderly man — maybe your father — and all day long you wipe his butt after bowel movements because he can't do it himself, feed him, clean his face after he eats, helps him into his bed for a nap, and prepare him meals he barely touches. In each moment of that day you've done nothing to change the world, you've created no art, you've not written the next great American novel and you've not written a brilliant blog post about your latest experiences gazing at your own fuzzy navel. But if done with a spirit of love and servanthood and the desire to please God with your loving care for your father, you are a beautiful sight to Jesus.
In the same vein, perhaps that worship leader you mention in your latest post, isn't the best. I was in a tiny country church in the south that had a few of those. The music wasn't always what I hoped for out of a worship service. Sometimes, you might even say it was, well, less than mediocre. But their hearts were filled with a longing to honor Him and to lead others in worship from the overflow of their love for Him.
A writer who is not up to snuff, in your eyes or in my eyes, may struggle to meet the subjective standards of tough critics. They may not even hit benchmarks that nearly all agree on. But maybe that writer simply loves what they do. And out of that love for writing, they just love the idea of pleasing Him. Maybe they could be better? However, my point was to say that even those who do not write up to your standards, just like the worship leader who doesn't lead worship as you would like to see it lead, can glorify Him with their offering. Should they improve? To the level their capable of. If only everyone was as intelligent as the critics!
The one who is wiping an old man's butt, or writing "mediocre" fiction, or picking up garbage, or fixing my Ford with hands that never quite come clean, or mowing my lawn all can glorify Him because of the motives of their hearts.
Lastly, I totally agree with one of Mick Silva's latest posts: http://www.yourwritersgroup.com/mywritersgroup/20…
So this is the end of this topic for me. Because I'm sick of talking about this. And even more so after reading your comment that I have defended poor craft. I have defended brothers and sisters in Christ who seek to glorify Him with what they're capable of offering.
I've been a writer for more than 35 years. I never felt called by God to be a writer. It was something I knew I wanted to do, something I enjoyed, even before I became a Christian. God's used my writing at different times, but he's also used me, my hands. my feet, my back, my voice and my heart at different times. At times I've felt inspired in my writing, but I don't know if it was divine or not. I do know this: He's the one I want to please in my writing — and the same can be said of the doctor, the lawyer, the truckdriver, the teacher and every other Christian in the work they do.