God Calls Us All

Yesterday, we looked at how we can find God-glorifying meaning in our jobs.

God gives us the freedom to choose our vocation because our ultimate identity is in Christ. At the same time, we are responsible to God because he calls us to glorify him in work.

Os Guinness writes in The Call, “Instead of ‘you are what you do,’ calling says, ‘Do what you are.’” We are stewards of God’s gifts and talents to us.

Take a moment to consider your life, your gifts, and your God-given talents. Does your current job match those well? Do you feel frustrated by not being in that position?

Remember, if you feel stuck because you’re just working to make ends meet, your identity does not rest in it. Yet God, in his sovereignty, has put you there for this time for a reason. Glorify him by loving others and doing the job with excellence.

Again, Guinness writes, “Drudgery done for ourselves or for other human audiences will always be drudgery. But drudgery done for God is lifted and changed.”

Employment is subservient to our higher calling, even as God’s call instills employment with meaning. For instance, Paul was a tentmaker, but anyone can see that his highest and most specific calling was apostleship (Acts 18:2–4; Romans 1:1). That doesn’t make tentmaking meaningless—exactly the opposite. It allowed him to fund and fulfill his highest calling. It also allowed him to make Christian friends and “business connections” with Aquila and Priscilla.

To recap, God may call us to a job that does not fulfill our highest calling for a season, but even then God can redeem that work. He orchestrates our lives for good, but we should also learn to be aware of our heart’s desire for work, for he gives us freedom in choosing our vocation.

Sometimes, God sends visions or burning passions in our hearts, specifically calling us (Jeremiah 20:9; Esther 4:14). Most of the time, however, he allows us the freedom to choose based on our talents, desires, and circumstances.

Reflect on your vocation. Why did you choose it? Might God have something greater for you?

If you had to summarize your personal mission statement in your work, what would it be?

Does it align with God’s mission? Is it self-serving? Does it use your gifts? Does it go against a specific calling you’re trying to suppress?

Take these reflections to the Lord.