Is it a 'calling'?

Government proposals, following the Winsor report on the Police Service, suggest that it may be good to have a fast track entry for senior officers from outside the service. This challenges the present system, where every police officer has to follow the same slow progression through the ranks, from 'bobby on the beat' constable. Does this slow process restrict people with talent and flair, or does it test the calling of all concerned? Would fast track entrants have a true sense of calling?

Similar questions are asked about those in the health service. Does the emphasis on requiring all who want to be nurses to have a degree make it difficult to ensure that all involved have a sense of calling to care?

In education discussions, again the question is raised about the academic value of 'vocational' qualifications. 

In all these contentious issues, which generate plenty of heat, and often not much light, the focus is on what we mean by a calling.

But 'calling' is at the centre of the Bible story. 'The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12.1-3) 

The rest of the Bible sees God fulfilling this promise to Abram, as people from all nations get drawn into this calling.

Throughout the Bible, people are called by God to be part of His Big Picture plan.

So, St. Paul describes the Christian community in Rome, which he hopes to visit, as those called by God. 'And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people.' (Romans 1.6-7)

I am amazed that today I and others who follow Jesus can know we are those with a divine calling to live for Him. We belong to Jesus - so we do not belong to ourselves any longer! And we too can bring the blessings promised to Abraham to those around us. What a privilege!

Best wishes,

Richard