Vacations are recreational but Vocations are re-creational (participating in God’s ongoing work of blessing and redeeming all creation).

Many people hold a narrow definition of Vocation, thinking it only applies to church workers or to someone’s job.  Martin Luther claims that every disciple of Jesus is called to a particular office and task, through which God Himself works to govern and care for His created order.  Luther identified four types of calling that every Christian has: 1) A calling to the church  2) A calling to the family  3) A calling to work 4) A calling to live as a citizen of a community.   Through you and me living out our vocations, God works through human vocations to govern and care for His world.

The first thing we need is a God-centered perspective in each of the four areas of “Calling” in our lives within God’s story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration.  As Luther said, “serving God is not tied to one or two works, nor is it confined to one or two callings, but it is distributed over all works and all callings.”  Paul encourages us to remember that our circumstances are ordered/assigned by God’s providence. That our circumstance and vocation can change, and we shouldn’t be consumed with selfish ambition but in service to God and His creation.

1) Finding one’s vocation involves recognizing one’s God-given talents, interests and abilities.

2) Our vocation is not something we choose for ourselves.  It is something to which we are called by God.

3) Our vocation can change depending on circumstances and despite the worth assigned by the culture is a holy office when serving with a re-creational purpose.

Reflect on the following Questions: What skills and passions has God given me?  Am I using those skills and passions in ways that are re-creational?  Do I have a job or a vocation?  Do I believe God is or will call me to another vocation in serving His creation (if so in what area)?