From Jim’s Heart—Work as a Calling

What do you picture when you hear or read the word calling? Most people immediately think of some form of vocational ministry. We often hear a pastor or missionary say, “I was called into the ministry.” The apostle Paul spoke of himself as “called” to be an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1).

But what if I told you that your vocation—the job you have right now—is a calling as well? Webster defines the word vocation as coming to us from the Latin vocatio, which means “a calling.” And the English word means “a call or summons”; specifically, “a calling to a particular state, business, or profession.” Just as pastors or missionaries passionately serve God because of their “calling”, so you too can be passionately serving God in your work—in your calling.

In my life I have had many “callings.” One of those included being called into the ministry. But, like the apostle Paul, who was a missionary and a tentmaker, I have also provided for my family as a pharmacist, an Army reservist, a pharmaceutical salesman, and a pastor. And, also like Paul, I viewed all of these as callings from God.

Your commitment to Christ does not mean you have to become a pastor or a missionary. That’s not the case. Work done for a church or a church organization doesn’t make anyone any more holy or spiritual than those whose work is done at a factory or in an office or in a private studio. Your place or type of work is not what matters to God. What does matter to Him is being in His will (Romans 12:2). You should approach your vocation, whether as a painter or a plumber, as a soldier or a mechanic, as a teacher or a “techie,” not merely as “just a job” but as a calling—a special calling from God.

Read From Jim’s Heart—Work as a Calling on Elizabeth & Jim George.