Get the appBelmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample
Day 19 – Vocation
Vocation. That can be a scary word. No doubt you’ve already been asked what you’re going to do when you graduate and that question doesn’t seem to stop. “How can I know what I’m going to do? What’s the point of work, anyway?”
Fortunately, the Bible can help us with these questions. Let’s start with work. We know our lives matter to God and we spend a lot of our lives working. It seems our work matters to God and is even part of His design for creation. We can take comfort knowing our work is of more value than the money it makes. Rather, God uses our vocations and positions throughout our lives to work in us—molding us to be more like Him—and to work through us. Our Father invites us to take part in His redemptive work, allowing us to look forward with hope to a New Earth that is perfect in every way.
Ephesians 4 gives a helpful picture of our callings as Christians. We’re called to unity: “There is one body and one Spirit” (4-6). At the same time, there is diversity in the one body of Christ: “And he personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers...” (11–13a). Just as the different components of a machine must all work together for the machine to function properly, we can recognize our diverse callings are all important to the body of Christ, of which Christ is the head.
What if I don’t know what vocation I’m called to? Well, what are you interested in? What are you passionate about? How are you gifted? Be involved in a community of believers who can point you to work, service, and learning opportunities. Pray and seek God’s guidance. Above all, don’t be frozen—waiting for an unmistakable voice or sign from God before you make any decisions about the future. He’s given us wisdom and a world filled with opportunity, so enjoy the freedom that is in the Gospel to make choices about our vocations, as long as we’re pursuing Christ and his kingdom. That’s the final point here.
God doesn’t wait to use us until we’re out of school, working full-time, and economically independent. Instead, we trust a God who holds tomorrow as He invites us into His redemptive work today.
JORDAN HEYKOOP | SLA, Junior | History major
Vocation. That can be a scary word. No doubt you’ve already been asked what you’re going to do when you graduate and that question doesn’t seem to stop. “How can I know what I’m going to do? What’s the point of work, anyway?”
Fortunately, the Bible can help us with these questions. Let’s start with work. We know our lives matter to God and we spend a lot of our lives working. It seems our work matters to God and is even part of His design for creation. We can take comfort knowing our work is of more value than the money it makes. Rather, God uses our vocations and positions throughout our lives to work in us—molding us to be more like Him—and to work through us. Our Father invites us to take part in His redemptive work, allowing us to look forward with hope to a New Earth that is perfect in every way.
Ephesians 4 gives a helpful picture of our callings as Christians. We’re called to unity: “There is one body and one Spirit” (4-6). At the same time, there is diversity in the one body of Christ: “And he personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers...” (11–13a). Just as the different components of a machine must all work together for the machine to function properly, we can recognize our diverse callings are all important to the body of Christ, of which Christ is the head.
What if I don’t know what vocation I’m called to? Well, what are you interested in? What are you passionate about? How are you gifted? Be involved in a community of believers who can point you to work, service, and learning opportunities. Pray and seek God’s guidance. Above all, don’t be frozen—waiting for an unmistakable voice or sign from God before you make any decisions about the future. He’s given us wisdom and a world filled with opportunity, so enjoy the freedom that is in the Gospel to make choices about our vocations, as long as we’re pursuing Christ and his kingdom. That’s the final point here.
God doesn’t wait to use us until we’re out of school, working full-time, and economically independent. Instead, we trust a God who holds tomorrow as He invites us into His redemptive work today.
JORDAN HEYKOOP | SLA, Junior | History major
About this Plan
This 40 day prayer plan was written by students, faculty and staff at Belmont University as a daily devotional for incoming freshmen. Each day guides and encourages new college students in their faith in Jesus Christ through the word of God and the sincere thoughts, seasoned advice and honest prayers of the contributing authors. May these words help you grow in your love for God and your love for others!
More
We would like to thank the students, faculty & staff of Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
