Understand God\u2019s design for work and focus on discovering your own vocational calling,
as it relates to God\u2019s heart for restoration and redemption. Over the course of this lesson, we hope you will…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Learn how vocational calling fits into the broader biblical narrative.<\/li>
- Apply your learnings from the Identity modules to codify your burdens, gifts, and passions.<\/li>
- Process with a partner about what you are discovering about your calling.<\/li>
- Reflect to that same growth partner what you see as his\/her passions and calling.<\/li>
- Share the burdens, gifts and passions exercise with someone new.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.\u201d <\/p>EPHESIANS 2:10 (ESV)<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
UNDERSTAND <\/strong>| Why Our Work Matters:<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As people bearing the image of God, we are called to fill the earth with His glory through creating what we commonly call \u201cculture.\u201d Another term for this is God\u2019s \u201ccultural mandate,\u201d – the command to exercise dominion over the earth, subdue it, and develop it\u2019s potential (Genesis 1:26-28, 2:15). In her book Total Truth, Nancy Pearcey says it well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur calling is not just to \u2018go to heaven\u2019 but also to cultivate the earth, not just to \u2018save souls\u2019 but also to serve God through our work. For God himself is engaged not only in the work of salvation but also in the work of preserving and developing His creation. When we obey the Cultural Mandate, we participate in the work of God himself.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simply put, the idea of the cultural mandate is that God entrusts us with something, and He calls us to do something with it, something worthwhile, something that fills the earth with more justice, more health, making it more glorious, more like Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During your twenties, there is an opportunity and a freedom to explore what God might be entrusting you with. Often it takes time for men and women to hit their stride in their vocational calling. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. As you experience a growing awareness of how God is forming you, God will also be giving you unique burdens for the needs of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow can anyone remain interested in a religion which seems to have no concern with nine-tenths of his life?\u201d <\/p>DOROTHY SAYERS<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The first step of discovering vocational calling is seeing how your story fits into the greater story of redemption. When we understand the story of God, we have a context by which we can understand the role of vocation as it relates to revealing Jesus to the world. His redemption goes far beyond personal salvation. God uses vocational callings to bring redemption to whole industries. The Wall Street banker no longer seeks glory and power for herself, but rather fuels an economy that impacts for good. The fashion designer creates clothes worn to enhance the dignity and God-given beauty of people. NYC pastor, Jon Tyson, says, \u201cIt\u2019s about showing the world what the world is like when Jesus is Lord of it.\u201d Work is meant, by God\u2019s design to bless us, others, and the environment God created us to dwell in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRACTICE <\/strong>| Burdens, Passions, Gifts<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take some time to explore your own gifts and passions, as they relate to your vocation, calling, and the needs of the world. Refer back to the \u2018Your Design\u2019 module, where you did a personality assessment. With a bit more of your story as the context, ask God to give you a greater vision for how He\u2019s made you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reminder: You don\u2019t have to know or solve everything here. This is just a starting point.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Burdens: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The first step of identifying calling is seeing how our story fits into the greater story of redemption. God often gives us a recurring and growing interest and awareness of a need He is leading us to. What do you find compelling as you consider the needs of this world? Ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- What grieves you?<\/li>
- What evokes anger?<\/li>
- How do you want to participate in Jesus\u2019 transformation of dead things? <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cru.org\/communities\/city\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2022\/01\/Burdens-Passions-Gifts.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPassions: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learning what breathes life into us can help dictate how we leverage our energy in the workplace. What gives you a sense of delight and rest when completed? Ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- When have you ever felt the emotion, \u201cThis is why I am here!\u201d?<\/li>
- What would you do for free?<\/li>
- What do you naturally find yourself always doing\/drawn towards\/ reading about? <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Gifts: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s no question we can all improve in different areas and acquire skills, but it takes a tremendous amount of effort to do something well that you\u2019re not naturally suited for. Think about the different dynamics of your life. What do you tend to do effortlessly? Ask yourself the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- What is something you naturally do with ease?<\/li>
- In what area do others ask you for help?<\/li>
- What did you love doing as a child? <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Take some time to consider your burdens, passions, and gifts. Make some connections and record your<\/strong> responses to these questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
PROCESS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Share with your process partner insight you have gotten as it relates to your vocational calling and the burdens God is putting on your heart. Or perhaps you find yourself confused and concerned about your vocation. Share your process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n