Discovering & living one’s specific calling

Wherever we are, in the workplace or the worship place, we are supposed o reflect the image of Christ. Our twords should be honest; our work should be faithful. We should strive to receive the approval of Christ. Irrespective of our vocation, we must be dedicated, faithful, obedient and committed to the job without compromising our faith.

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The most frequent question I was asked when I was young was, “What do you want to become when you grow up”? My answers differed based on changing seasons and times. However, as I grew older, it became evident that o reach our God-ordained destiny, it was inevitable to discover God’s will and purpose for our lives.
Theology of work is an important theme that runs throughout the scripture. However, compared to the concept of work, job, career, etc., the ‘doctrine of vocation’ and ‘vocational calling’ stands on higher
ground. The Latin word ‘vocation’ denotes ‘calling’.
Each child of God has a specific and unique calling. On an interpersonal level, we are called to ‘Come and
follow him’ (Matthew 4), which is an invitation to build a foundation; ‘Come and be with him’ (Mark 3), which is an invitation to intimacy with him; and ‘Come and abide with him’ (John 15) which is a call to obedience.

When it comes to vocation, God calls individuals both to church-related and nonchurch- related work. For example, Aaron and his ons were called to serve as priests for the lord (Exodus 28:1). Simon and his brother Andrew were fishermen but were called to fish for people. (Mark 1). Barnabas and Saul were set apart for the work to which they were called (Acts 13). On the other hand, though Nehemiah was a prayer warrior, he continued to be the king’s cupbearer. Daniel, being a prophet, continued to serve in the King’s civil service at that time. The above two experiences are not lower or superior to one another. God honours both of these. Being spiritual does not mean living a secluded life. We are part of a society which needs Christ. We hold our testimony and mark our borders while being in society. Daniel marked his border, and God honored that.

A person chooses a vocation based on the available opportunities, their skills and their heart’s passion. However, many people work in jobs they don’t like simply because they are forced to limit themselves to the circumstances around them. “The heart of a man plans his way,” says Solomon, “but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). We are to plan in the present, but we can do so in the confidence that the Lord is acting in our lives and in our circumstances, calling us to His purpose.

Most of us would have asked this question when we felt the path ahead was unclear. “Lord, where do I fit? What’s next for me?” “Lord, where do you want me to serve?” The answer to this question is that God is calling us to Himself, and the choice of vocation is wide open. Whether it is to serve God in ministry or business, God invites us to join him where he is at work. Life becomes truly liberating when our God-given gifts, abilities, and passion intersect with God’s grand plan.

Thus, we ask the question, Is vocation my choosing or God’s calling? As we come closer to God in prayer, He reveals his heart’s desire to us. As we start hearing His voice, His guidance and affirmation of the call assist us to make the right decisions and move in the right direction. As we continue to live in that specific calling, we should remind ourselves that no matter what, We are called to be imitators of Christ. Wherever we are, in the workplace or the worship place, we are supposed to reflect the image of Christ.
Our words should be honest; our work should be faithful. We should strive to receive the approval of Christ. Irrespective of our vocation, we must be dedicated, faithful, obedient and committed to the job without compromising our faith.

Pr Tony Thomas
Chitwan, Nepal

Pastor Tony hails from Thrissur, Kerala. He earned an Electrical and Electronic Degree from Karunya University and an M.Th. from SAIACS. He has been a missionary in Nepal with the Arpan Ministry since 2014. He is married to Angela, and they are blessed with three children Luke, Mark and Karuna.