Before Andrea Bocelli became the multi-awarded, world-famous, opera singer that we know today, he was a court-appointed lawyer. He only sang in music competitions and piano bars to help pay for his law school tuition.

In 1992, Bocelli auditioned to sing for a demo tape a song called “Miserere,” meant for the great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. When Pavarotti heard Bocelli’s voice, he refused to sing it, convinced that the song belonged to Bocelli. Pavarotti knew that Andrea was called to sing opera on the world’s stage and now, the world knows it too.

“Calling” is a word that is easily thrown around. For some people, it is synonymous to purpose or finding your one true passion. Others think that their calling is their dream job, dream position, or dream life. While “calling” may mean different things to different people, it is much more important to discover and listen to the One who is making the call.

God has called you to something unique. He has created you for a purpose that can only come from Him. He has customized and knit together your desires, talents, gifts, habits for this express purpose. Your calling is not limited to your job or your career, though they are good avenues to express your calling. In the same way, your calling does not end when you retire, and you cannot switch it off, nor would you want to, when your work clock ends. There may be a thousand accountants in one city but they do not share the same calling.

God has called you to create. God has formed you “in his image and likeness” (Genesis 1:27) therefore you are a creative being. Business is a calling geared towards creation, innovation, and contribution. God is pleased when we work skillfully and excellently.

God has called you to where your desires, talents, and abilities meet. It is not enough to want to become a businessman or own a successful business but you must have the skills and gifts suited for it as well. Your calling must be so natural and apparent that people can’t help but tell you, “you are meant to do this”.

God has called you to enjoy life to the full. God will not call you to something He knows you will not take pleasure in. Your calling is something you enjoy and love to do. This does not mean that fulfilling your calling will be a bed of roses because it will entail labor, toil, and sacrifice. But your calling is something you are willing to get your hands dirty for, being able to plant the seeds as well as reap the harvest.

What sets the business calling apart from others?

1. Business is a collective accomplishment. You cannot succeed in business alone and in the same way; your responsibility extends beyond products and services but to people and relationships.
2. Business must contribute to society. You must offer something valuable and relevant that helps build and empower communities.
3. Business will test your character and faith. Business depends on so many internal and external factors that are measured, managed, and controlled. This could be overwhelming. The need for control in a changing marketplace can be a great obstacle to fully depending on God at all times, in the booms or the banes.

Frederick Buechner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” If all of these things hold true for you then trust in God to lead you as you follow your calling.