Correct vocational direction is related to basic abilities, and God endows every Christian with unique abilities, desires, and gifts to accomplish His will through them (see 1 Corinthians 12).

Choose the right vocation

1. Discern God’s plan on how to best use your gifts and talents to serve Him.

2. Stay within God’s will – His priority guidelines – such as time spent in His Word, in prayer, and worship. This includes time spent with your spouse and children, so eliminate vocational options that have the potential to conflict with these priorities.

3. Choosing wrong vocational goals invites future problems. “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).

4. Choose the right vocation by discerning what God wants for your life. Because Christians have the advantage of being able to see life from God’s perspective, we also have the responsibility to orient our lives accordingly.

Biblical perspective of work

When God instituted work, it was not a curse. He put Adam to work for his own benefit. “Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)

1. Work is so important to our daily lives that God commanded us to, “work six days” (Exodus 34:21). Paul was very direct concerning work: “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

2. God’s Word implies that there is dignity in all types of work. It does not elevate one honest profession above another.

3. Jobs aren’t merely tasks whereby workers can earn money; they are also a means by which workers can use their talents and abilities to develop godly character.

4. God gives every person unique talents, abilities and skills. “Every skillful person in whom the Lord has put a skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work.” (Exodus 36:1)

5. God gives success and is the one who is ultimately responsible for our success. “The Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man.” (Genesis 39:2)

6. God even controls promotion, based on whether a person is a good steward of the responsibilities God has given her or him. “God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another.” (Psalm 75:7)

7. Many people experience frustration in their jobs, because they don’t understand God’s part in work. “You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things.” (Matthew 25:23)

Take God’s Word about work seriously: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Originally posted 4/12/2013.