I was sitting with some pastors when one of them said:
There is a difference between calling and sending
Now, I’ve always matched those two words together. As a pastor I have sensed that God has called me, which means I am sent to do something. And when I am sent, I had better have had someone tell where to go!
The conversation continued:
We are called to be. We are sent to do.
When the disciples were called, Jesus just asked them to be with Him. All they had to do was spend time with Jesus. We need to develop the disciplines needed to fulfil that calling. Things like meditation, scripture reading, quiet, waiting, patience, fellowship. Anything that let’s us be with Jesus.
When the disciples were sent, they were given direction. As the Father has sent me, so send I you. Out of the clarity of direction that God gave to Jesus, we need to find clarity in what we do. Clarity makes uniqueness undeniable, direction unquestionable, work more meaningful, focus more sustainable, leadership credible, the future approachable and enthusiasm transferable.
Calling and sending – two different but intertwined words!
I wish you would expand on this concept sometime — I think I see them as quite different – but I also am aware of how often they are used as the same.
As always I enjoy reading your perspective. Gives food for thought. And that is what it is all about.