Accept Your Calling
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”[1]
The quote from Coach Carter’s movie above highlights the idea that people are often limited by their fears and insecurities in their pursuit of purpose in life. These fears arise not because of our strength, but because we realize we have immense potential. If we have such potential within us, why should we be afraid? The answer lies in the fact that great potential often comes with greater responsibilities and obligations. Fear can overwhelm us when we are not ready to accept the divine duties that come with these responsibilities. This may be due to shyness, a lack of willingness to take risks, or a desire to live only for oneself.”
As Campbell explains in his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” heroes in myths and legends are often called upon to fulfill great responsibilities. Campbell writes:
Whether presented in the vast, almost oceanic images of the Orient, in the vigorous narratives of the Greeks, or in the majestic legends of the Bible, the adventure of the hero normally follows the pattern of the nuclear unit above described: a separation from the world, a penetration to some source of power, and a life-enhancing return.[2]
Despite being said that becoming a hero in carrying out noble missions and the entire journey is a gift[3], the process is often accompanied by stories of rejection in accepting the call given to them. It can be imagined if we experience being “separated from the world,” being specially chosen to receive extraordinary power and sent to fight evil and help the weak and suffering. I would love it if I watch a movie and see my favorite hero in action. But if I am asked to be in his position, it feels like it would be difficult for me to do.
I am intrigued in interpreting Campbell’s writing and relating it to my life. I experienced a difficult struggle when answering the call as a pastor. It took years of my graduate school studies to grapple with the call. For me, it is not easy to accept the call because the more I understand the life of church service, the more I know that church service is not like my ideal picture before I entered seminary. The demands and heavy responsibilities rest on the shoulders of a pastor. But a senior pastor reminded me that our service is not because we choose, but because God chooses. Because God has chosen, He will certainly give us the ability and help in every situation, even the most frightening. This is what I also found in Campbell’s writing, that every hero finds the divine power they seek, and dangerously won is actually within them all this time. They realize that they are “the king’s son” and understand their true identity, allowing them to use their power appropriately as “God’s son.” This represents our divine creative and redemptive potential, waiting to be known and brought to life.[4] This idea is in line with what the Apostle Peter wrote in his letter: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
Embarking on Campbell’s writing with my calling as a priest (and now also as a student of doctoral program) is not meant to imply that I am a hero. That term seems more appropriate for others. However, I push myself to be faithful in living out my divine calling. I dare myself to follow the calling with all the consequences that might occur. For that, I always need supernatural aid to encourage me to overcome my barriers and pass the threshold. Therefore I will have the courage to enter the belly of the whale and undergo the road of trials, facing the meeting with the goddess and temptress, achieving victory and receiving ultimate boons, and being sent to encourage, help, and liberate others.
[1] https://www.samuelthomasdavies.com/best-inspirational-movies/quotes/. Accessed February 2, 2023.
[2] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. 3rd ed. Bollingen Series XVII. Novato, Calif: New World Library, 2008, 28.
[3] Campbell, 29.
[4] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Commemorative Edition. Princeton, Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2004, 36.
About the Author
Dinka Utomo
Dinka Nehemia Utomo is an ordained pastor of the Protestant Church in the Western part of Indonesia (Gereja Protestan di Indonesia bagian Barat or GPIB). He has served for more than 15 years. The first five years of his ministry were in the remote area of East Kalimantan, including people from the indigenous Dayak tribe in the small villages in the middle of the forest, frequently reached using small boats down the river. For more than 15 years, Dinka has served several GPIB congregations in several cities in Indonesia. He has always had a passion for equipping Christian families, teaching and guiding them to build equal relations between husband and wife, maintaining commitment, love, and loyalty, creating a healthy and constructive Christian family atmosphere, and rejecting all forms of violence and sexual violence. Dinka's beloved wife, Verra, is also a GPIB pastor. They have two blessed children. Dinka and his wife and children love to spend quality family time, such as lunch or dinner, and vacation to exotic places.14 responses to “Accept Your Calling”
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Dinka,
As I read your post, this phrase stood out to me “I push myself to be faithful in living out my divine calling”. Pastoring is no easy task. We have those hero moments , where all seems worth it and there is victory to be celebrateed, but the in between moments often take the simple stick-to-it mentality knowing that God is with us and is continuing to build His Kingdom through the dailyness of life and ministry. I was reading your bio and saw that you worked in the remote area of East Kalimantan among the indigenous people groups there. What is that region like? How did God shape you as a pastor? My understanding of Indonesia is very limited but I would love to know more.
I agree with you that shepherding is not an easy task. This has been often told to me and my colleagues, especially when we were still pursuing our undergraduate education at the theological seminary/faculty. Upon entering the ministry assignment in the congregation, it turned out that what we were previously informed was true. Regarding ministry in East Kalimantan, our Synod has a regulation that every newly ordained pastor must serve a congregation in a remote area for five years (in our synod system, a pastor moves to a new congregation once every five years). Serving in remote areas, such as small hamlets in the forest or on islands in the middle of the ocean, often requires us to do ministry in areas with limited facilities, such as limited transportation, no electricity, no internet, water shortages, difficult access, high prices, and limited health and education facilities, or even the complete absence of such facilities. God shaped me during my childhood when I was in the church youth group. God’s formation continued throughout my studies in theology, and His process of forming me into His servant continued while I was serving in that remote area.
Hi Dinka,
You wrote two lines that touched and inspired me, “I push myself to be faithful in living out my divine calling. I dare myself to follow the calling with all the consequences that might occur.” And, “…every hero finds the divine power they seek, and dangerously won is actually within them all this time.” I keep thinking about your time in Kalimantan. How was the divine power with you then? How did you tap into that power and find courage? Thank you for your faithfulness to seek and persevere through your calling!
Hi Jenny!
I served four small congregations in remote areas of East Kalimantan from 2007-2012, one of which is located in a very remote hamlet. The only way to reach it is by using a small boat with an outboard engine to navigate along the river through the tropical forest, or by motorbike on thick, muddy roads. One night, while on my way to the church, my motorbike got stuck in the mud and I found myself alone in the dark forest. I looked up at the sky and saw so many stars, and with tears in my eyes, I asked God, “Is this what it feels like to sacrifice myself for service?” But then I remembered a song: “Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art, how great Thou art.”
At that moment, I felt a sudden burst of strength from above, and I used a wooden stick to clean the dirt off my motorbike tires so I could continue my journey. My spirit was reignited, and the events of that night have remained a cherished memory for me.
“These fears arise not because of our strength, but because we realize we have immense potential.” Funny, I was watching an interview with George Mumford today who trained NBA players through mindfulness. His philosophy was that we all have a masterpiece inside of us, we just have to chip off the layers of fear and insecurity to let God’s masterpiece shine through. He calls it finding the “Original Blessing”. Thanks for sharing your story man, I can certainly relate. I’m sure many people have been blessed because of your obedience to the call brother.
Thank you for your encouragement, brother!
The original blessing concept is one of the biblical concepts that I like so much! Thanks!
Mr. Dinka,
Thank you for the challenge and encouragement with regards to our calling, or in whatever capacity that we serve our Almighty. Mostly I fear the “unknown.” I fear what was out there that I am not exactly sure of what would be the outcome. What comforts me is expressed in a phrase someone said, “whether I stand, or whether I fall, I will be in the hands of the LORD.”
Thank you, Mr. Noel!
True, that we are always in the power of God! There are song lyrics that I remember:
Every promise we can make; Every prayer and step of faith; Every difference we can make; Is only by His grace; Every mountain we will climb; Every ray of hope we shine; Every blessing left behind; Is only by His grace; Grace alone Which God supplies; Strength unknown He will provide; Christ in us Our cornerstone; We will go forth in grace alone.
None of us want to say “I’m a hero”… we give that title to others.
But let me be the one to say it: You are a hero, Dinka. Keep pressing in to follow He who called you and empowers you for the heroic task ahead.
Thanks a lot, Tim!
Since the first time I met you, I could feel sincerity radiating from within you. You and our peer group have truly become heroes to me in going through this lecture process.
Dinka, this is one of my most favorite quotes, though I have not heard of that movie! Funnily enough it’s often attributed to Nelson Mandela, but is actually by Marianne Williamson. Anyway, I love this quote because often times we mistake confidence for arrogance and playing small for humility! I appreciate all your work around wrestling with your call and vocation. What you bring to this Doctorate is anything but small, and I am so thankful for you as part of my peer group. Your commitment to your community and to the marriages of your church parishioners is valuable, needed and I am thankful you answered the call! Do you have any cultural stories or myths outside of the Christian realm that may speak to the work you are doing on your NPO? Would Indonesian cultural stories relate? Curious if Campbells work inspired you in this way? Or perhaps a different way?
Hello Jana!
I love it when someone recognizes the quote. Stories or cultural myths outside of Christianity that relate to my NPO work may not be directly related, but I think moral values such as struggle, love, and forgiveness can be included to strengthen my NPO work.
Campbell inspired me with the monomyth, which could also be relevant to my life and ministry after I pondered. Anyway, thank you Jana for always being a peer group friend who supports and strengthens me.
Dinka, Thank you for reminding us that we are often limited by our fears and insecurities in our pursuit of purpose in life. Fear can be so debilitating. Our minds fill with the “what-ifs” or can be consumed with the reason of our circumstances and lose sight of God’s greater purpose and plan. Thank you for that reminder. Several passages come to mind from the scriptures that admonish us to choose trust and not fear. . .
1) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
2) “Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6
3). Many in Psalms. . . “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4
4). “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
What passages anchor you in trusting the Lord when the enemy brings questions and doubts about your calling?
Hi Cathy!
All these messages and all the divine messages in the Bible are really working in my life and ministry.
I love it when you quote some of them.
One that caught my attention was the divine message in Joshua 1:9. The message in it provides reinforcement to have the courage to step with God to overcome barriers and cross the threshold to achieve God’s promise of victory