Work and Vocation Pt. 2
As promised here is the second in the series on work and vocation. I had previously cited the article by Justin Taylor for the New Attitude website entitled “Thank God for Work Pt. 1“. The following excerpts are from part 2, “Thank God for Work Pt. 2.” If you have time read the whole thing.
On how to work for the glory of God.
John Piper, in an excellent chapter of Don’t Waste Your Life on glorifying Christ in work, writes about the essence of God-glorifying human work: “it is done (1) in conscious reliance on God’s power, and (2) in conscious quest of God’s pattern of excellence, and (3) in deliberate aim to reflect God’s glory” (p. 141, my italics and numbering).
On how to determine your calling.
The first thing we need to consider is the vocation itself. Is this vocation allowable from a biblical perspective?
The second thing to do is to make sure not to treat this as a “just God and me” thing. Determining a calling should not be a Lone Ranger project. What gifts, talents, and abilities are others observing in you? Are you inviting their constructive feedback and observations? Are you involved in a local church and seeking to serve others?
Third, where do your interests lie? What area of study or sphere of life makes you the most excited and energized? What makes you feel depleted and discouraged?
Fourth, what doors are opening? Which ones are shutting? Be on the lookout for opportunities.
Fifth, don’t be paralyzed by the bondage of guidance. Pray with your eyes open and seek the counsel of your church. And then at some point—you need to make a move in faith.