What does it mean to be "called" by God?

Many people have been unintentionally wounded by the language of “calling”—especially when it’s framed in terms of platform, significance, or passion in ways that feel exclusionary. This article responds to the question using the theology of Tim Keller, and concludes with a song that lovingly exposes the many misunderstandings centered around "calling" and gently replaces them with gospel truth.

Tim Keller spoke often and deeply about the concept of “calling,” both in the general sense of God’s call to all believers and in the specific sense of personal vocation. His teaching draws from Scripture, Reformation theology (especially Martin Luther), and modern cultural engagement. Here’s a breakdown of what Keller says about being called:

1. Primary Calling: Called to Christ

“The call to follow Christ is a call to die—and be raised.” 
Keller emphasized that our primary calling is not to a job, role, or mission, but to a Person—Jesus Christ. This calling is the same for every Christian: to know Him, love Him, and be conformed to His image.

• Biblical foundation: Romans 8:28–30; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:14
• This calling is not based on merit or performance, but on grace.
• It is transformational—God calls us not just to believe, but to be changed.

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Your calling is to live in light of that reality.” – Tim Keller

2. Secondary Calling: Called to Serve Where You Are

Keller, especially in his book Every Good Endeavor, teaches that every believer also has a secondary calling—a unique purpose and set of responsibilities that may include family, work, ministry, art, or civic life.

• Inspired by Martin Luther’s teaching that even the milkmaid milks cows to the glory of God
• Vocation is not just “Christian ministry”; it includes secular work, parenting, neighborhood life, etc.
• Your calling is where your gifts and the world’s needs intersect, under the lordship of Christ.

“God doesn’t simply call pastors and missionaries. He calls factory workers, artists, lawyers, and stay-at-home parents to do His will in the world.” – Keller

3. Calling is Both Fixed and Flexible

Keller said that while your primary calling is fixed (to love and serve Christ), your secondary callings (job, role, location) can change over a lifetime.

• Circumstances, seasons, and even failures can shift how your calling plays out.
• God uses both your gifts and your limits to lead you into your calling.
• “Your calling may not feel heroic. It may be invisible to others. But it is holy.” – Keller

4. Calling is for the Good of Others

Keller taught that calling is not about self-fulfillment or prestige. It is others-centered.

• You are called into community and for community.
• Your work is not just a platform for success, but a place to love your neighbor, seek justice, and point to God.

“A job is a vocation only if someone else calls you to do it, and you do it for them rather than for yourself.” – Keller

5. Discerning Your Calling

In discerning one’s personal calling, Keller often pointed to three overlapping areas:

1. Affinity – What do you love?
2. Ability – What are you good at?
3. Opportunity – What doors are open?

Where those three intersect—guided by Scripture, prayer, and community—you often find your specific calling.

In Summary:

Tim Keller taught that being “called” means:

• Being called by grace into a relationship with Jesus
• Living out that relationship through faithful presence and service in the world
• Seeing all of life—work, family, play—as part of God’s redemptive mission
• Understanding that your value comes from who called you, not what you accomplish

“The purpose of your life is not to find a great calling—it is to answer the great Caller.” – Tim Keller

"The Caller"

“The Caller” explores and dismantles the false, performance-driven ideas of “calling” that often dominate Christian culture. It affirms that God’s true call is not to greatness by human standards, but to faithfulness, service, and intimacy with Christ in every season of life—visible or not. With each verse, the song reorients the listener from striving to resting in God’s love, and from seeking applause to living before an audience of One.

Lyrics

Verse 1 — The Fire Standard 
They told me I'd feel thunder in my bones, 
A blaze so bright I couldn't stay at home. 
“Change the world,” they said with burning eyes— 
But I just fold the clothes and quiet cries. 

Pre-Chorus 1 
I tried to fake the fire, I strained to chase the spark— 
But never found that holy work of art...

Chorus 
Your calling’s not a ladder, not a stage to make you known— 
It’s walking with your Savior, and it’s never done alone. 
It’s mercy in the morning, it’s serving when unseen— 
It’s answering the Caller, not chasing a dream. 

Verse 2 — Spotlight Dreams 
They said I'd hear a voice out in the storm, 
A single task that I was made for. 
But I just heard the baby’s 2 a.m. wail, 
And kept the books and checked the mail. 

Pre-Chorus 2 
Was I missing what He meant for me to do? 
Or had the world misnamed what's good and true?

Chorus 
Your calling’s not a platform, not a title to defend— 
It’s love that holds the wounded, and stays until the end. 
It’s baking bread for neighbors, it’s forgiving what’s unseen— 
It’s answering the Caller, not chasing a dream. 

Verse 3 — Comparison Wounds 
They spoke of “kingdom impact” with a grin, 
And I compared my quiet life to them again. 
One wrote books, one preached on brighter stages— 
I made coffee, and listened through their rages. 

Pre-Chorus 3 
I feared I’d failed the purpose of my soul— 
But maybe presence is the deeper goal...

Chorus 
Your calling’s not a contest, not a crown that you must win— 
It’s living out the gospel where the common days begin. 
It’s faithfulness in silence, it’s patience through routine— 
It’s answering the Caller, not chasing a dream. 

Verse 4 — The False Gospel of “Big” 
They wrapped the word in glory and acclaim, 
Like God can’t use the ones without a name. 
But I have seen Him move in quiet hands— 
In caregivers and janitors and bands. 

Pre-Chorus 4 
The “least of these” are never less to Him— 
The meek, the crushed, the small, the overlooked within.

Chorus 
Your calling isn’t louder when the crowd is pressing in— 
It’s deeper when you whisper, “Here I am again.” 
It’s loving well in weakness, not ruling as the king— 
It’s answering the Caller, not chasing a dream. 

Verse 5 — When Callings Change 
I used to lead, now I just tend the land— 
No title left, just dirt beneath my hands. 
But even here, the Spirit speaks with grace: 
“You’re not behind—you’re just in a different place.” 

Pre-Chorus 5 
Callings change, but not the One who calls— 
And every season matters when He’s all.

Chorus 
Your calling doesn’t vanish when the lights begin to fade— 
It’s formed in every shadow where obedience is made. 
It’s pressing on through sorrow, it’s showing up each day— 
It’s answering the Caller, not chasing a name. 

Bridge — The Whispered Call 
Not in the fire, not in the quake, 
But in the whisper for My name’s sake. 
Not in the crowds or thrones or praise, 
But in the still and faithful ways.

Verse 6 
He calls me not to do, but first to be— 
A child beloved, forever free. 
And once I rest in who I am in Him, 
Then all my doing overflows from Him.

Chorus 
The Caller walks beside me through the ordinary years— 
He sees the hidden labors, the unspectacular tears. 
My calling is communion, not fame, and not esteem— 
I’m answering the Caller, not chasing a dream.

Tag 
Not in the crowds or thrones or praise, 
But in the still and faithful ways.

Verse 6 
He calls me not to do, but first to be— 
A child beloved, forever free. 
And once I rest in who I am in Him, 
Then all my doing overflows from Him.

Final Chorus 
The Caller walks beside me through the ordinary years— 
He sees the hidden labors, the unspectacular tears. 
My calling is communion, not fame, and not esteem— 
I’m answering the Caller, not chasing a dream.

Scripture References for The Caller

Verse 1 – The Fire Standard

“They told me I'd feel thunder... blaze so bright...”

• 1 Kings 19:11–12 – God is not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the still small voice.
• Matthew 25:21 – Well done, good and faithful servant… you have been faithful over a little.

Verse 2 – Spotlight Dreams

“They said I’d hear a voice… But I just heard the baby’s cry…”

• Colossians 3:23–24 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 – Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands...

Verse 3 – Comparison Wounds

“One wrote books, one preached... I made coffee...”

• John 21:21–22 – Peter asks, “What about him?” Jesus replies, “What is that to you? You follow Me.”
• Romans 12:4–6 – Different gifts in one body, according to the grace given to us.

Verse 4 – The False Gospel of ‘Big’

“Like God can’t use the ones without a name...”

• 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 – God chose what is low and despised in the world...
• Matthew 23:11–12 – The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Verse 5 – When Callings Change

“I used to lead, now I tend the land...”

• Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 – To everything there is a season…
• Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…

Bridge – The Whispered Call

“Not in the fire, not in the quake…”

• 1 Kings 19:11–13 – Elijah hears God's voice not in the grand displays, but in a whisper.
• Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.

Verse 6 – The Better Voice

“He calls me not to do, but first to be...”

• Romans 8:15–17 – You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons…
• Ephesians 1:4–5 – He chose us... to be holy and blameless before Him in love.

Choruses 

“Your calling’s not a ladder... It’s answering the Caller...”

• Ephesians 4:1 – Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
• 2 Timothy 1:9 – [He] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works…
• Hebrews 12:2 – Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
• Micah 6:8 – Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.

"Answering the Caller: A Devotional Journey into Calling"

Based on the teachings of Tim Keller and the song “The Caller”

Overview:

This devotional explores Tim Keller’s theology of calling—grace-centered, rooted in identity, and faithful in the ordinary—contrasting it with common misconceptions and pointing us to a biblical, Christ-centered understanding. Each day includes:

• Big Idea

• Devotional Reading

• Thought(s) for Consideration

• Reflection Questions (individual and group)

Day 1: The Caller, Not the Dream

Big Idea:

Calling is not about chasing a dream—it’s about answering the One who calls us by grace.

Devotional Reading:

Many of us have heard that our calling will be obvious, dramatic, or even world-changing. We imagine a singular passion that consumes us, a moment of revelation or a platform of impact. But in Scripture, calling is less about what we do, and more about who we follow. The Bible's central image of calling is God’s voice—beckoning us not first to action, but to Himself.

Tim Keller consistently reminded us that “we are not called to a task, but to a Person.” The Apostle Paul speaks of the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14), and Peter says, “you are a chosen people… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). This primary calling is not reserved for pastors or missionaries—it belongs to every believer.

When calling becomes a dream we must achieve, we begin to live in fear of missing it—or pride if we think we've found it. But when calling is a response to a gracious Caller, we live in freedom and purpose, even if the task before us looks ordinary.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• Is your view of calling shaped more by culture or by Scripture?

• How might God be calling you to Himself today, not to a task but to communion?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• Do I feel pressure to “find my calling”? Where does that pressure come from?

Group:

• How do we unintentionally reinforce false views of calling in Christian communities?

Key Scriptures:

Philippians 3:14, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 4:1

Day 2: Called in the Quiet

Big Idea:

God often calls us through small, faithful acts—not dramatic moments.

Devotional Reading:

Elijah expected God to speak through fire and wind. Instead, he heard a whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12). This story, Keller often taught, reminds us that God’s call is not always loud. The modern world prizes charisma and influence, but God sees and honors the quiet work of daily obedience. Whether in the nursery, the office, or a quiet act of forgiveness, God calls us to walk with Him in the everyday.

In Every Good Endeavor, Keller wrote, “God does not simply call us to work; he calls us to Himself, and then sends us to work.” Your work, no matter how mundane, is sacred when done in faith and love. Even the apostle Paul tells believers to “aspire to live quietly” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) and “work heartily… for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

Our calling may not be loud, but it can be clear: love God, serve others, and be faithful where we are. In doing so, we imitate Jesus, who spent thirty years in obscurity before preaching a single sermon.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• Have I overlooked where God is already calling me to faithfulness?

• What does it say about God that He honors the hidden work?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• Where do I feel unseen in my work? Could that place actually be sacred ground?

Group:

• How can we better honor and celebrate “quiet callings” in our church or community?

Key Scriptures:

1 Kings 19:11–12, 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, Colossians 3:23–24, Luke 2:51–52

Day 3: Comparison is a Calling Killer

Big Idea:

Calling is not a competition. God gives different gifts and assignments.

Devotional Reading:

In John 21, Peter looks at John and asks Jesus, “What about him?” Jesus replies, “What is that to you? You follow me.” That is perhaps the most concise theology of calling. Tim Keller highlighted this moment often to show how dangerous—and common—comparison is in the Christian life. When we measure our lives against others, we lose sight of our own path.

Romans 12 reminds us that we are one body with many members, each with different gifts. No part is lesser. The teacher is not greater than the cleaner. The missionary is not more called than the faithful nurse, the generous accountant, or the loving single mother. The call is not to be someone else, but to be faithful in your part of the Body.

We are called by grace, not by merit, and therefore have no reason to envy or boast. When we fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), not our neighbors, we walk freely in the calling God has given us.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• How has comparison distorted my understanding of success or faithfulness?

• Am I secretly waiting for a “better” calling?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• Who am I most tempted to compare myself to? What does that reveal?
  Group:

• What would it look like for us to celebrate diverse callings without ranking them?

Key Scriptures:

John 21:21–22, Romans 12:4–6, Hebrews 12:1–2, 1 Corinthians 12:14–26

Day 4: Seasons of Calling

Big Idea:

Your calling can shift with time—but the Caller never changes.

Devotional Reading:

Ecclesiastes 3 says there is “a time for everything.” Calling is not static. What God asks of you in your twenties may not be the same in your fifties. A season of parenting, caregiving, retirement, grief, or redirection may feel like a loss—but it may actually be a new invitation from the same faithful God.

Tim Keller wrote that many people are afraid of change because they’ve built their identity around what they do. But our primary calling is to belong to Jesus, not to a role. So when our job, ministry, or capacity shifts, we have not lost our worth—we are simply being led to trust Him more deeply.

God used Moses’ staff and Paul’s pen. He used young David’s sling and old Simeon’s song. You may be in a season of leading or of being led. Both are holy ground when entrusted to Christ.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• Has my season changed, but I’m still clinging to a former identity?

• How might this change be an invitation into a deeper dependence on the Caller?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• What part of my current season do I find hardest to accept?

Group:

• How can we support each other through changing callings—loss, transitions, restarts?

Key Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, Philippians 1:6, Psalm 92:12–15, Exodus 3:1–12

Day 5: The Call to Be, Before We Do

Big Idea:

Before God calls us to a task, He calls us to be His children.

Devotional Reading:

Romans 8:15 says we’ve received “the Spirit of adoption,” not slavery. Calling begins with being before doing. In fact, our doing only becomes redemptive when it flows from our belovedness in Christ. Keller emphasized this: we work from acceptance, not for it.

Jesus’ own baptism is the clearest example. Before He preached, healed, or died, the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” That same affirmation is now ours in Christ (Ephesians 1:4–5). Any attempt to find our worth in what we do will collapse under pressure. But when we’re rooted in who we are—God’s adopted sons and daughters—our lives become an offering, not a performance.

Before He sent Moses, God reminded him, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). The promise of calling is not clarity of purpose—it’s the presence of the Caller.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• Am I trying to earn my identity through activity?

• What does it mean to rest in my status as God’s beloved?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• Where do I most need to let go of “proving” myself?

Group:

• How can our community create space to be—not just to do?

Key Scriptures:

Romans 8:15–17, Ephesians 1:4–5, Exodus 3:11–12, Matthew 3:16–17

+1 Day (Bonus / Sabbath Reflection): The Whisper and the Walk

Big Idea:

God calls us to walk with Him daily, quietly, faithfully—and that is enough.

Devotional Reading:

On this bonus reflection day, return to Elijah’s story (1 Kings 19). God had used him powerfully, but now Elijah was burned out, afraid, and disoriented. And God didn’t respond with fire. He responded with presence. A whisper. A reminder. And a new commission—simple, quiet, and faithful.

This story mirrors many of ours. We expect calling to look like fire from heaven. Instead, God gives us quiet friendships, small tasks, and a promise: “You are not alone.” Tim Keller often said, “God is more interested in forming you than using you.” So listen for the whisper, not the whirlwind. Walk with Him, even if the path feels unspectacular.

That is the heart of calling: walking with the Caller. One step at a time.

Thoughts for Consideration:

• Where is God whispering right now?

• Can I learn to be content with faithful obscurity?

Reflection Questions:

Individual:

• What has God been saying to me that I’ve been too busy to hear?

Group:

• What practical ways can we encourage each other to walk in quiet faithfulness?

Key Scriptures:

1 Kings 19:9–13, Micah 6:8, Psalm 37:23–24, Isaiah 30:21