Get the appBelmont University - Freshmen First Forty DaysSample
Day 19 – Vocation
As we enter into our college years, vocation is one of the biggest topics pressing on our hearts and minds. We’ve made it through high school, and we’ve been poked and prodded by aptitude tests and inquiring family and friends enough to make us scream! Everyone wants to know what we are going to do with our lives, including ourselves! We’re pressed to know our hopes, our dreams and our calling.
The world’s teaching tells us that we as individuals are compartmentalized into different “callings,” and that we must discern what that calling is, then subsequently find a job or position within that category in order to fulfill our purpose. The Gospel of Christ boasts a very different message!
Ephesians 4:3-5 tells us that when we place our faith in Christ, rather than being compartmentalized and left to define our own calling, we are united by one hope, one faith, one grace, one calling. Verse 12 goes on to define this calling as, “...the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” This means that our chief vocation as followers of Christ is to spread the gospel through our words and actions. Although it is true that we are all equipped with different gifts and talents, the things that make us unique are intended to be tools to utilize for Christ’s ultimate calling, not our source of purpose.
One of the most important things I’ve learned in my time at Belmont is that when you keep your eyes set on Christ’s calling, your vocational calling seems to fall into place. When you are truly focused on using your gifts and passions to further God’s Kingdom, it opens doors that you could never even fathom! And when we place our hope in the calling of the Gospel, we are united by a vocation that cannot be shaken by a poor economy, a competitive job pool, or plans that simple fall through.
We find the deepest joy in the darkest places, and fulfillment that cannot be measured or contained by any worldly vessel. So do what you love, and do what you are good at, but do it for the glory of the One who first loved you!
Mallory McDonald | Junior | Psychology
As we enter into our college years, vocation is one of the biggest topics pressing on our hearts and minds. We’ve made it through high school, and we’ve been poked and prodded by aptitude tests and inquiring family and friends enough to make us scream! Everyone wants to know what we are going to do with our lives, including ourselves! We’re pressed to know our hopes, our dreams and our calling.
The world’s teaching tells us that we as individuals are compartmentalized into different “callings,” and that we must discern what that calling is, then subsequently find a job or position within that category in order to fulfill our purpose. The Gospel of Christ boasts a very different message!
Ephesians 4:3-5 tells us that when we place our faith in Christ, rather than being compartmentalized and left to define our own calling, we are united by one hope, one faith, one grace, one calling. Verse 12 goes on to define this calling as, “...the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” This means that our chief vocation as followers of Christ is to spread the gospel through our words and actions. Although it is true that we are all equipped with different gifts and talents, the things that make us unique are intended to be tools to utilize for Christ’s ultimate calling, not our source of purpose.
One of the most important things I’ve learned in my time at Belmont is that when you keep your eyes set on Christ’s calling, your vocational calling seems to fall into place. When you are truly focused on using your gifts and passions to further God’s Kingdom, it opens doors that you could never even fathom! And when we place our hope in the calling of the Gospel, we are united by a vocation that cannot be shaken by a poor economy, a competitive job pool, or plans that simple fall through.
We find the deepest joy in the darkest places, and fulfillment that cannot be measured or contained by any worldly vessel. So do what you love, and do what you are good at, but do it for the glory of the One who first loved you!
Mallory McDonald | Junior | Psychology
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 Belmont University for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.belmont.edu
