“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Vocation is our God-given calling. More than just a job or career, vocation encompasses all of our life work. As we consider our vocation, let’s look at this Vocation Equation:

The Vocation Equation

Your God-given Talents  +  Your God-given Personality  =  Your Vocation

(Equation created by Rev. Michael Borgstede. Used with permission.)

God designed us and gave us our talents and abilities. If I faint at the sight of blood, pursing work as a doctor is probably not a good idea. Our personalities are also part of our vocation. What do we enjoy? What are our passions? God has placed in our hearts desires to serve Him and His people. Put these two areas together, and our vocations become clearer.

Seeking our vocation is a life-long task. It’s tempting to think we discover our vocation in high school or college, and then it’s a finished decision. Ask most adults and they will often say they are still trying to decide what they want to be when they grow up!

As we move through life stages of having children, our children growing up and leaving the house, and retirement, our vocations change again. We always have vocation, because God continues to call us to serve as long as we are alive.

Lord, you have created me and called me to my vocation to serve You. Direct me to find my callings through using my talents and pursing the passions you have placed in my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

An excellent Lutheran resource about vocation: God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life by Gene Edward Veith.