Living out our calling

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Redeemer City to City sponsors a series of webinars for Faith & Work in this season of COVID 19. The May 20 webinar, “The Anchors of Calling Amid Job Upheaval” was presented by Dr. Chip Roper, Corporate Executive Coach and President of voca.org. 

From this webinar we are reminded that our role is be part of God’s unfolding of the gospel to the world. We are not alone - God is with us and He has a plan for our future. We may face disappointments and hardships, but nothing is wasted with God. We may not see His plan in our current circumstances. Romans 8:28 (TLB) reminds us that “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good, if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” 

This is part two of a three part series from the Redeemer webinar:  Living out our calling - where the Real You meets the Real World

Our calling is defined between Gospel Identity (who we are) and Gospel Destiny (God’s plan for us). While we may have an ideal calling in our minds, our actual calling is where the Real You meets the Real World. In this season of COVID 19 with resulting job turmoil, our calling may change to meet real world needs. Calling provides gospel agility so that we can figure out where God wants us to be - the intersection of the Real You and the Real World.

This graphic illustrates the components: 

1. Gospel Identity is defined by who we are - John 3 tells us that we are God’s children and not defined by what we do.

4. Gospel Destiny is God’s plan for us at the intersection of the Real You & the Real World. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  

In this season, it is easy to be self-focused and for good reasons. As one searches for work or helps those who are searching, we need to remember perhaps the one to whom we are speaking needs to hear encouragement. When we ask someone how they’re doing, we mean it. When we ask how we can help them, we mean it. We’re not in this alone … God has a plan.

• When one considers who they are, the 2. Real You, there are 4 categories to examine.  
  • Boundaries - may be limited by geography, skills, values, or other personal considerations
  • Passion - what sustains you or gives you energy. Note that not all hobbies which provide passion will continue to do so when they become your vocation.
  • Skills - what value do you bring to the company and your job?
  • Abilities - foundation of work; may have to draw on some abilities that are not primary in this season.

The 3. Real World section is the pragmatic steps of finding work:

• Fit: How can I uniquely bring value to the company with my skills and abilities?
• Opportunity:  What is the position?
• Steps: What is the process for the job?
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Identity and Destiny may feel like luxuries in the job search. If the job isn’t our dream job, perhaps it’s important for this season. We look for little joys as God guides us to the work that He has for us in this season. Wishing you rich blessings.

Ruth Taylor 

Center for Faith & Work

Westwood Baptist Church