Linked Together: Vocation, Vocation, Vocation

A thoughtful theology of work (or vocation) gives purpose to our lives, whatever our circumstances. What’s more, it provides both motivation to act and peace to rest in. 

It’s been a neglected area of study and teaching, although recently I’ve seen more written about it. Here are three recommendations—two links and one book: 

• I’m just a …(fill in the gap): “Your work is from God, it is His calling. He gave you the work, He designed you for it, and He’s called you to do it today”—David Murray.

  Can I add that this applies even to those of us who are not actually employed? What work we find to do and what service our circumstances demand of us, as long as it’s legal and not sinful, is God’s calling for us.

• Is There a Distinctively “Christian” Way to Be a Bus Driver?: “The Bible teaches that as Christians we should function within our God-ordained vocations (i.e., legitimate callings) (1) from biblical foundations, (2) with biblical motives, (3) according to biblical standards, and (4) aiming at biblical goals. These are the necessary and sufficient conditions for Christian virtue”—Justin Taylor. 

• My son recently read Tim Keller’s book on work, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work, and recommends it, although he wishes it had more in it that applies directly to small business owners. (Do you have any books you’d recommend for those who, like him, run their own business?)

  (Here’s a bonus link to Keller’s sermon, Our Work and Our Character.)