CALLING - INDIVIDUALLY & COLLECTIVELY

BY ELDER LEONG KOK HO

I have just completed 2 semesters of my studies at Singapore Bible College – one-third of my study journey leading to a Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies. I have also started working with Presbyterian Community Services for close to half a year. 

Part of my life transition during this season focuses on my experience of God’s calling and provision. It is a very personal experience. It is between me and God – personal yet not private, alone yet not alone! 

It is an experience of a larger community – my classmates and co-workers – serving and learning together. I have young and old classmates / co-workers. I enjoy studying with the younger students, as their energy gives me hope and encouragement. I also enjoy working with older workers, as their faithfulness teaches me humility. I have no regret embarking on this new journey of experiencing God.

When a group of Christians learn or serve together, there is an interesting dynamic relationship happening among us. On one hand, God calls us individually. On the other hand, He also calls us collectively.

In theory, I believe that God calls me and my co-workers to the same vision. However, in reality, when we work together, we may have differences or sometimes, may not see everything eye-to-eye.  This could be due to the fact that we may run at different pace, and each of us may respond to God at different pace as well. We need to listen to God and hear each other out, then we would see the beauty of God calling us to work together.

Nehemiah is one of my favourite books – a real gem in leadership and practical lessons. When Nehemiah shared with his core group of co-workers who surveyed the Jerusalem walls prior to rebuilding, he said to them “… you see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem …” (Neh 2:17) Interestingly, without being coerced they replied in unison that “… let us rise up and build …” (Neh 2:18).    

I find this passage very encouraging. God’s calling is both for me and for the community which I’m part of. He is calling us to join hands and survey the fields just as Nehemiah and his compatriots surveyed the ruins of Jerusalem – sweating together in the process of re-building. We need one person to say “Come, let us build the wall!”. Then, we will hear fellow co-workers saying, “Let us rise up!” – in unison!

Have you experienced such miracles? I’m experiencing what it means to be called individually and collectively. It is to work and learn together with a community, just as Nehemiah surveyed the Jerusalem ruins.  Therefore, I urge you to find your own community such as a cell group or ministry group. When you work and journey together, you will find the moment when everyone of you would rise up saying “Let us do God’s will together!”. 

Come, let us experience God – individually and collectively. May God help us!