Letters To Seoulsearch, Part 2: What Kind of Christian Are You?

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#1
Hello Everyone,

If you had to describe your calling in Christ, what would you say He's called you to be? I know that Paul taught us about evangelists, prophets, teachers, and so forth, and if that's what you believe you are, please feel free to tell us about that. Talk to us about things such as how you know that's your calling, how God revealed it to you, and what you believe you are to do with your gift?

But what I also mean is, what would you say in your own words is your official "title" within the church?

In my last post, I asked how you respond when another Christian critiques your faith or the state of the church and other Christians.

I have found that in my own experience, the people who ask me such questions are usually, in my own terms, "Correctors." I know there are probably better or more Biblical descriptions (prophets, I would guess?), but in my own simple mind, that's that always comes to mind. "Correctors" quickly assess the problem and determine what's wrong, as well as formulating a direct and often blunt way of dealing with what they perceive as the issues. I admire Correctors, but I feel my calling is a bit different.

I myself personally believe God has called me as a "Midwife."

If a "Corrector" saw a pregnant woman, they would immediately analyze what the pregnant woman is doing right or wrong (eating properly? Resting? Married or unwed?) and would give a fact-based solution as to what she needs to do in order to correct any perceived wrongdoing. Me? I'm the one in the delivery room saying, "Here I am, hold on to me tight, I'm not going anywhere... and PUSH, PUSH, PUSH!!! God is right there with you, saying, it's time to PUSH!!"

I've found I work best as an assistant and a cheerleader. I can't do the work that needs to be done FOR the person, as I've tried to do in the past. I'm also not necessarily the one to point out what the problem is, but I will give my input if I feel it's appropriate or am asked. I can't be a substitute for the hard choices they have to make, but I will certainly do what I can to help them through it.

I think much differently than a "Corrector", and that's why I find it hard to reply to their critiques. My mind is thinking about how we get to the next level, because in this case, the next level is so obvious it doesn't need much diagnosis, or if it does require diagnosis, I'm asking God what the root of the problem is and what step is to be taken to get to that next level. And so, if a Corrector comes to me with a list of what they feel needs correcting... I have a hard time relating because it's not how I'm built. I can certainly empathize with what they're saying, but if they want me to get into a detailed conversation about it... I'm definitely not the right candidate.

In my personal life, I'm into things like sewing and cross stitch. If you need to know how to put in a zipper, I'm your girl. I may be a bit simple and my skills might be a little rusty, but I'd have an idea of what you were talking about and could relate back. But let's say your gift is something like Calculus or Physics... I'm so sorry, but you'd probably get a livelier conversation out of a mailbox. It's just not what my brain is geared to comprehend. I feel about the same way when a Corrector tries to engage me into a conversation about the faults of other Christians and the church.

Ironically, I also feel God has called me as a "Translator," as God always seems to put me into situations in which I am "in the middle". I am biologically related to a particular race, but was raised by another; I always find myself in work situations in which I'm not quite lower level but definitely not upper level management, either; I'm never the smartest or fastest but I usually find people I can connect with.

I was once sitting between my Grandpa and one of his fellow WWII veterans. The two men were trying to have a "conversation", but because they are both hard of hearing and I was in the middle, they would shout their question to me and I would have to "translate" it to the other person, then do it all again when the one I had just "translated" to gave their reply. Later that day, I believe God was telling me, "Kim, this is what I've called you to be... a translator."

My job is to help people understand each other better (building bridges between cultures, races, classes, and faith) but in order to do that, I have to find some kind of common "language" between the people I'm trying to connect, whether it be a hobby, idea, or situation. I don't relate as well to people who see everything in black and white because I always have one foot on each side of the circumstance God has placed me in, which some Christians view as worldliness and sin.

Of course, I have my struggles just like anyone else, and there are some things people are called to that I can relate to more readily than others.

In the end though, I know it's God's plan for us all to work together in the body of Christ.

What do you believe God has called you to do? What "kind" of Christian to you believe you are? And what advantages and challenges does that present when relating to other types of Christians?
 
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phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
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#2
Good post,

And 'Corrector' that gave me a laugh lol. I think we need more encourages than correctors. If someone is correcting every little detail about other people.. my own gut instinct would tell me they have a problem. Don't get me wrong I love a good debate but I think that's slightly different than being a 'corrector' (love that word lol).

When it comes to where you work, how much money you make - in all reality these things are irrelevant where the Christian is concerned atleast in my opinion . If these things are relevant to someone then I would say 'Houston we have a problem'. What job someone has or how much they have or don't have is not an indicator of that person's value. Although sadly we can all fall into that trap.

Personally for myself I'm just a servant, well I try to be.. no lofty prophet tags here.

I wouldn't let anyones words pull you down...look at Hebrews ch11 where all those people superhuman, great jobs, where they perfect etc etc etc..? Yet, they all have walked the red carpet into the hall of faith.

DO NOT CORRECT ME - I'M A CORRECTOR - CORRECTORS ARE ALWAYS CORRECT---- BE WARNED!!!! :)
 

gypsygirl

Senior Member
Sep 19, 2012
1,394
60
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#3
i loved what you shared here, and mostly just wanted to say so. that said, i'm not sure where i fit in, as far as labels go. i'll have to think about it more. : )
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#4
Personally for myself I'm just a servant, well I try to be.. no lofty prophet tags here.

I wouldn't let anyones words pull you down...look at Hebrews ch11 where all those people superhuman, great jobs, where they perfect etc etc etc..? Yet, they all have walked the red carpet into the hall of faith.

DO NOT CORRECT ME - I'M A CORRECTOR - CORRECTORS ARE ALWAYS CORRECT---- BE WARNED!!!! :)


Loved what you said about being a servant, Phil. Jesus told us all to have the heart of a servant, and we certainly need more of those!

And, there's a lot of truth to what you're saying about Correctors. God bless them all, but I've met many Correctors
I've felt unable to talk to because they themselves seem to believe they are much more righteous than the people they correct.

For instance, if a Corrector sends long, impassioned emails about their perceived faults in others (and even names them) but is telling me about them and not actually talking those individuals himself on a personal basis, would that not be considered gossip?


I've found it's not even worth my pain to try to point this out to some Correctors... because they already assume they are correct. In pretty much everything.

And because I don't think the way they do (I'm not designed to, as I just illustrated), they accuse others of being worldly and Godless (or at least, much less Godly than they are.)
As I said in my other thread, it's a circular argument that goes nowhere.
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
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#5
Yeah I see what your saying.. I would agree, it is gossip. I think your using wisdom by not to get feeding their desire to prove themselves correct. I think its really a pride issue, they take pride in being 'Holier than thou'. It seems they are looking for mans approval of how Holy they are, rather than humbling themselves before Jesus and their fellow brothers and sisters..

The church is full of people who suffering, hurt, broken, down trodden... self righteous correctors only add to the pains and tribulations of people.. rather they should be moving alongside and carrying their brothers and sisters burdens with them..not nit picking or gossiping about them. But that's only my view.

P.s I'm not saying that I have always followed my own advice,. regrettably. Just being honest.
 
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Ella85

Senior Member
May 9, 2014
1,414
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#6
seoulsearch I really liked your post

I struggled with my purpose in life up until recently. Reason being is because previously I had not yet given my life to Christ FULLY.

I finally came to the realization that I am unable to make suitable choices in my life and in many ways I had to prove myself to God that I was a worthy servant and an obedient child in Christ.

I now believe that God speaks through me and in my every day life. I work with people every day...and they are constantly laying their burdens on me.
I believe that God has chosen this role for me so I can be a living example of Christ's love for me.
I can relate to my clients in more ways than one, and I have been given through many life experiences knowledge and life lessons to help to encourage and renew faith in ones heart.

The trials we go through in our lives are something that we can use to our advantage, to spread the word and continually express our empathy and lift the spirits to a higher place.
 
W

waterlily

Guest
#7
Amen. beautifully said. I have been going thru something similar recently too. Trying to be worthy of Gods love and purpose, but we must first realise Gods love for us, then we can love others with that love.

God bless you my sisters

In Jesus name

Amen


seoulsearch I really liked your post

I struggled with my purpose in life up until recently. Reason being is because previously I had not yet given my life to Christ FULLY.

I finally came to the realization that I am unable to make suitable choices in my life and in many ways I had to prove myself to God that I was a worthy servant and an obedient child in Christ.

I now believe that God speaks through me and in my every day life. I work with people every day...and they are constantly laying their burdens on me.
I believe that God has chosen this role for me so I can be a living example of Christ's love for me.
I can relate to my clients in more ways than one, and I have been given through many life experiences knowledge and life lessons to help to encourage and renew faith in ones heart.

The trials we go through in our lives are something that we can use to our advantage, to spread the word and continually express our empathy and lift the spirits to a higher place.
 

cinder

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2014
4,327
2,358
113
#8
Hmmm… Correctors? Sounds a lot like the definition of Proud, Self-Righteous B*****ds to me. Jesus had some choice words for those in his day. (Then again I do have some corrector tendencies, but I try to end on an encouraging note after telling people what they need to do to get things right.)

Now for a more serious answer; I seem to be something between a nurse and a philosopher. So I have all these grand theories that sound great on the forums and in theoretical discussions, but then I also seem to end up always befriending the hurting people and really wanting to see them healed and restored. I have several theories as to why this is but most of them point back to the proud and don't want to let anyone get close and see me messing up idea. Umm yeah that's enough self disclosure for one post.
 

Ella85

Senior Member
May 9, 2014
1,414
106
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#9
One thing I will add is...God uses people based upon their HEART....

Not only what they speak of or how they speak .......
 
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waterlily

Guest
#10
Amen. Today someone wanted to point out to me a fault they find in me in a cruel and brutal way. number one they don't know me at all and number two, they don't know my walk with God.

I was crying out to God what to do or say about this in prayer. God said get this person to write it down and address it to Jesus because my identity and my faith is a gift from Him. He would be more concerned about what they think of me as He bought and paid for me with a price that is priceless. My identity is in Christ Jesus and what others want to critic or gossip about in me is my Lords business. God doesn't want us to please others.. our job is to please Him soley. we cannot please the world and God.



Loved what you said about being a servant, Phil. Jesus told us all to have the heart of a servant, and we certainly need more of those!

And, there's a lot of truth to what you're saying about Correctors. God bless them all, but I've met many Correctors
I've felt unable to talk to because they themselves seem to believe they are much more righteous than the people they correct.

For instance, if a Corrector sends long, impassioned emails about their perceived faults in others (and even names them) but is telling me about them and not actually talking those individuals himself on a personal basis, would that not be considered gossip?


I've found it's not even worth my pain to try to point this out to some Correctors... because they already assume they are correct. In pretty much everything.

And because I don't think the way they do (I'm not designed to, as I just illustrated), they accuse others of being worldly and Godless (or at least, much less Godly than they are.)
As I said in my other thread, it's a circular argument that goes nowhere.
 
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Fenner

Senior Member
Jan 26, 2013
7,507
111
0
#11
I believe God has called me to be a helper.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
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#12
A corrector is a misdirected edifier. One who sees insights, but has not a pulpit from which to preach them.

Me, my place is to be the local nerd. Grandma has remonstrated wih me about calling myself that, but I am in fact a nerd. And if I were not in my place, it would go unfilled or at least not filled as well. I maintain the stuff in the sound booth at church, trouble-shoot if something goes wrong... shoot, I set the whole system up to begin with. I have multiple laptops, some of which found a place in various parts of the church. I'm the one who burns copies of a CD for the praise team to practice with, the one who knows how to "get that song off youtube," or edit a song if a part (like a wild guitar solo) doesn't fit the project they're doing... I'm the resident nerd.

Some are called to be burrs. Ever seen a horse with a burr under its saddle? There was this one guy in church who was always the loudest praiser, the most active, always the first one on his feet when the Spirit started moving. One day some of the quieter people asked the pastor if something could be done about this noisy person. The pastor only said "I've been praying about the matter." A couple days later, the active praiser himself came to talk to the pastor. "Say Reverend," he said, "You know that pew where the really quiet guys sit? Think it would be alright if I could sit with them for a few services?" The pastor said, "I've been praying you would say that." :D

About corrections though, some corrections should not be made because some churches have different standards, because some churches are in different places. I like to use the bowling alley illustration. In one town the bowling alley is a seedy dive where prostitutes hang out in the parking lot and the church in that town finds it necessary to have a standard against bowling. In another town the bowling alley is a family-friendly, brightly-lit, clean establishment and the church in that town needs no such standard. One church cannot (well... SHOULD not, but sometimes they do) judge the other church as reprobates and sinners for lacking this standard, and the other church cannot... er, should not judge the first church as legalistic and uptight for having the standard.

By the way... seoulsearch, do you play dominoes? You do? YOU SINNER!!! (For the record, the previous sentence was said very much tongue-in-cheek.) ;) I know of a church that had to have a standard against dominoes. Sound ludicrous? In most places it would be, but in this church they had a problem - more than half the congregation was skipping church to play dominoes at a friend's house on Sunday night.
 

JimJimmers

Senior Member
Apr 26, 2012
2,584
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#13
In the end though, I know it's God's plan for us all to work together in the body of Christ.

What do you believe God has called you to do? What "kind" of Christian to you believe you are? And what advantages and challenges does that present when relating to other types of Christians?

That's a very interesting question. In my line of work, I do many different things. I am sort of a "go-to guy", I know a little about a lot.

It seems God has called me that way also. (I guess it makes sense, since He's the One who made me this way.) But I can't really pin it down. Just to be clear, i am in no way suggesting I am a 'complete body", and have no need for other members. But I don't see myself as a hand or head or nose or anything, it's like I change into a different member continually.
 

JimJimmers

Senior Member
Apr 26, 2012
2,584
70
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#14
One thing I will add is...God uses people based upon their HEART....

Not only what they speak of or how they speak .......
Amen! "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
 

JimJimmers

Senior Member
Apr 26, 2012
2,584
70
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#15
DO NOT CORRECT ME - I'M A CORRECTOR - CORRECTORS ARE ALWAYS CORRECT---- BE WARNED!!!! :)
You know, I was thinking about that the other day. And I recalled this cartoon I saw a while back. (I know, that sounds strange. But bear with me here.) It was the deepest conversation I have ever heard between an alien and a guy who dresses up like a flying mammal. Take a look if you're so inclined! It's short.

Batman quits the JLA-Leaves like a Boss - YouTube

(It's a link instead of an embedded video so you don't have to go through the whole thing)

I think that is how a corrector should feel. We are all members one of another.
 

Roh_Chris

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2014
4,728
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#16
To be honest, I don't know my exact calling. I just let God use me however He wants to. Most often these days God prompts me to spread the love around. Like welcoming a new member to church, encouraging somebody who is going through a difficult time, praying for someone who needs it a lot, etc.

I know I have the gift of empathizing with people. So, I think God wants to use to spread His love around. I think that's my calling. But I am not sure. :)
 

Pipp

Majestic Llamacorn
Sep 17, 2013
5,536
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Georgia
#17
I believe I'm meant to comfort and encourage the feeble minded .... and feed people cupcakes and I'm perfectly happy with that. :)
 
A

Arlene89

Guest
#18
I believe I'm meant to comfort and encourage the feeble minded .... and feed people cupcakes and I'm perfectly happy with that. :)
Pipp.... I'm feeling a bit feeble minded... can you give me some cup cakes? Or better yet, can you mail yourself to my house so you can bake me cake all day? Kthxbai.
 

DuchessAimee

Senior Member
Apr 27, 2011
3,922
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#19
This is a difficult and dangerous question to answer. First, there we should be placing bets until someone comes along and starts the argument of "there are no/only some/those aren't spiritual gifts" debate. And second, you could call me a Seer. That is my most prominent gift.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
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#20
This is a difficult and dangerous question to answer. First, there we should be placing bets until someone comes along and starts the argument of "there are no/only some/those aren't spiritual gifts" debate. And second, you could call me a Seer. That is my most prominent gift.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Aimee. I think that's a really brave thing to post on a public Christian site because many Christians wouldn't understand and would call such a gift as being from the devil. I simply call it God's gift of Divine Insight.

I was once in a church in which the elders would pray over me and repeatedly tell me I was "prophetic." (My old Lutheran church would have called this demonic.) *shrug* I don't see it as anything mystical, I just try to pray and let God push aside my own stubbornness long enough for me to understand what He's trying to tell me.

For instance, I was once dating a guy and I asked God what his heart was like. All I could picture in my head was something like a meteor, bubbling like lava on the inside but with a hard, blackened crust with cracks all over the surface where the lava was starting to seep out.

I simply asked, "Who hurt you?" and, with no other prompting, he began to tell the entire story of a girl from his past who had broken his heart. God sometimes gives me "pictures prompts" for the sole purpose of helping me to understand and better communicate with others, including Him. You know, kind of like the way they do on Sesame Street, because my brain is about that simple :). ("Lord, I know it's an apple... but WHAT KIND of apple???!!!")

THANK YOU EVERYONE SO MUCH for your WONDERFUL replies. It's been very exciting to read what others are called to do and how they are moving in their callings. PLEASE KEEP SHARING.

For anyone who doesn't believe they know their calling or "type" yet, don't worry--the discovery is one of the most deeply fulfilling part of your walk with God. After all, God didn't call Moses to lead the children out of Israel until he was 80.

Thank you so much for being so willing to share!! I have other questions to discuss soon... Stay tuned. :)