Each of us received a calling from Our Heavenly Father. In order to fulfill that calling we were given gifts to operate effectively in our calling. Our gifts vary from calling to calling. For discussion purposes, callings can be separated into two categories: tangible vs. intangible.
Tangible callings typically result in some direct physical manifestation. For instance, there were artisans in the Old Testament called to build The Temple. In order to build the Temple, a mason needed to understand how to properly run a course of stones. He was required to understand angles and plumb lines.
Intangible callings focus on spiritual matters. A prophet is called by The Lord. He must be able to see and hear in the spirit realm. He may operate in the "gift of discerning of spirits", the gift of a word of knowledge, or other gifts that are central to his calling.
Which calling is the most critical to the Body of Christ? They all are!
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
The world wants to exploit your gifts but they don’t want your calling. How can they get to your gifts without honoring your calling? They stroke your ego by exalting you and lifting you up. When you respond to this flattery and manipulation, you commit to operating in your gifts outside your calling. The world wants to control your gifts for their gain. Most of the time it is subtle.
How do we prevent this? It’s simple. when someone approaches you concerning your gifts, check to see if it lines up with your calling. If it doesn’t, beware! After His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tested. What was being tested? It was an attempt to see Him operate in His gifts outside His calling. Could Jesus command the stones into bread? Yes. Could Jesus cast himself down? Yes. Did the adversary have authority over the kingdoms? Jesus did not challenge the accuracy of that temptation. His calling was to take back that authority in accordance to His calling according to The Word of The Father.
The Body of Christ is destined to operate as described in Ephesians 4:16. There is no calling greater than another. There are no gifts to be exalted above others. We are to serve the Body of Christ, not lord over the brethren. Once this revelation comes forth in a corporate fashion, the Body of Christ will increase in strength and stature, and show the world what love is all about.