Day 4: Vocation Devotion

Thursday May 7th

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

“Those who are called.” Another word for vocation is a “calling.” This phrasing comes up when we talk about Pastors. They are not hired, but called. But it also applies to you, in your calling as a Christian. You did not decide to become a Christian. You were called. You heard the voice of the shepherd and you followed. (John 10:27)

Your calling as a Christian should affect every other vocation you have. “Christian” is not something you do for an hour on Sunday, but a way of life. It is the ultimate way to show love to your neighbor. Be salt, be light, Jesus says in Matthew 5. Why? “...So that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Through us, through our vocation as Christian, God calls our neighbors, our families, our friends, and our co-workers to saving faith.

But we can't do this alone, which is why God also calls us to local congregations. There we are fed and nourished through the Word and Sacraments. We repent of our failures and receive forgiveness. We encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ and in return receive encouragement and strength to continue fulfilling all of our other vocations. The Church is, essentially, the gathering of the called. We all have vocations within the Church as well. This could be Pastor, teacher, musician, handyman, janitor, baker, artist, accountant... the list goes on. We are called to serve each other in whatever capacity God gives us.  

All of this can be summed up by these words in Ecclesiastes: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” This is the vocation of Christian. Fear and love God. Love your neighbor.