How to Discern a Calling from a Hobby
by Rachel G. Scott
"How do I know if what I’m doing is a calling or just an expensive hobby?" asked one of my mentees. She had been investing her time, talents, and treasures into an area where she felt led by God to share her voice. However, doubts and uncertainty had crept in, causing her to question: was this truly God's leading or was it just her own desire? Psalm 119:169’s prayer was echoed in her question: “O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.”
My response to her, in short, was this: "If you are a child of God and you hear His voice, what you do for Him will never be a hobby, even if by the world's standard it looks like one." The crucial point lies in the words "what you do for Him."
What You Do for God is Never Just a Hobby
A hobby, loosely defined, is an activity enjoyed for leisure, often perceived as lacking value or productivity. Its singular purpose is to bring pleasure for the sake of enjoyment in life. This is in no way a negative thing, yet there is potential for it to mean much more.
In comparison, calling is quite different. Our calling often presents itself through the unsettled feeling we have when what we are having to do each day isn’t lining up with what we are longing to do. Or when we realize that we have a desire to work for something far bigger than we can understand. Ultimately, our calling reveals itself through a sudden or gradual awareness of a way we can influence, impact, or transform a situation.
Redefining Calling
Sometimes a calling, by the world’s view, will be defined as a hobby. But as Christians who understand the difference between a calling and a hobby, we can have clarity and direction in how we engage in these things.
For example: as a writer, the library is my happy place and it might be considered a place I go to do what some may consider my hobby. Yet, one day, as I settled in at the library for a writing session, a gentleman struck up a conversation with me. Our dialogue naturally transitioned into a discussion about faith and God. He opened up about his challenges as a single father, expressing the struggles he faced and the impact on his faith. His concerns for providing the best for his daughter weighed heavily on his heart. As our conversation unfolded, we delved into profound aspects of life, parenthood, and what it meant to be a follower of Jesus.
Two hours later, as the library closing time approached, he shared a heartfelt sentiment: "I believe God sent you here to talk to me today." Those words became a beautiful reminder of how God can use everyday activities and hobbies—like finding a quiet place to write in the library— to fulfill His greater purpose in my calling: to represent Jesus.
It was a reminder that I was on assignment, even when it looked like I wasn't. Everything we do is for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). In that moment, God graciously gave me the discernment to know where He wanted my attention to be: on His lost sheep.
God has Purpose in Your Hobbies
Discerning a hobby from a calling is about understanding God's will in our lives at all times, irrespective of our earthly activities.
It's about recognizing that our actions, even in seemingly mundane or enjoyable pursuits, can be part of a larger purpose–an assignment orchestrated by God. The key is aligning our endeavors with His glory.
In essence, discerning a hobby from a calling requires spiritual awareness and sensitivity to God's leading. It involves continuously seeking His guidance and evaluating our motives. A calling often transcends personal satisfaction and serves a greater purpose because it’s for a greater person – the person of Jesus.
What I once thought to be a hobby (my writing) has proven to be nothing less than God growing me into what he has called me to be: a Bible teacher and author. God places desires within us to do certain things that may look like a hobby, but are truly part of our calling. But we must be led by God in what to do, when to do it, and how long to commit ourselves to that assignment. As we choose to live with a discerning mind, He can guide us into new spaces, places, and leaps for his glory.
RACHEL G. SCOTT
Rachel G. Scott is a devoted wife, mother, and Ohio native. She is the author of the book, Taking the 5 Leaps. As founder of the I Can’t Come Down Movement, Bible teacher, and podcast host, she desires to inspire believers to walk in their purpose and assignment as they boldly take leaps of faith. Discover more at RachelGScott.com and find her @iamrachelgscott and on her YouTube channel.
