From December on Theology of Vocation

We have spent the last couple of months with the question: What does a congregation look like that lives out a theology of Vocation? A congregation was defined as the people of God gathering together around the Word and sacraments. Vocation was defined by various things God has called us to do or be. So as we have started addressing the challenges to this question we first noted some idea of the Pastor or Holy Orders making a distinction between various vocations.
Now as we are approaching the Christmas season, it may seem relevant to think about how we derive purpose in our vocations. Most people will tell you that the best Jobs are those in which you don’t feel like you have to go to work. The balance between “have to”s and “get to”s can reflect your understanding of purpose in your vocation. Thus, we like it when our “have to”s don’t outweigh our “get to”s.
For some of you finding purpose and meaning in your vocation may be difficult. For others you may instantly understand. And then there is a connection between two different vocations, in which case you may see meaning and purpose in your vocation as parent, but not in your vocation as employee. So my natural urge is to point out that Jesus knew the purpose behind his going to the cross and suffering for our sins, but he may not have enjoyed it. Christ was sent to save us from our sins, and there may have been a lot of “have to”s in his earthly ministry before the “get to”s of bringing us all to salvation, as the family of God.
Similarly, a Parent may not enjoy the agony of birth, the late nights, the busy schedule, the picking up after others, etc. But there are other times when you enjoy the look in their child’s eyes, new talents or skills developing, being able to hold them in their arms, or other precious moments. Sometimes our Vocations are difficult, and sometimes they are enjoyable. It is really interesting to make a list between your “get to”s and “have to”s in your vocation. But don’t just single out one vocation apart from other vocations. (Sometimes the “have to” in one place leads to the “get to” in another.)
Finally, as we seek to find purpose or meaning in our Vocations, remember God has called you to these Vocations. Parents don’t get to not be parents. Sons or Daughters don’t get to stop being Sons or Daughters. But employment may change over time, thus it is good for us to encourage and help one another to find meaning and purpose where they are, or help them seek out a different vocation. (WARNING: Don’t think that if you can’t find purpose here you will automatically find it elsewhere. Often times the “get to” and “have to” list doesn’t change from job to job.)
Purpose and meaning in our Vocations can be a lot like Value in our life. Most people that suffer from various forms of depression, do so because they lack purpose. Thus, they also believe they lack value. But what makes you valuable is not your ability or skill. Your value is not found in employment, parenting skills, or any other works. Your value is determined and given to you by Christ. God has bought you with a price, the very lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Therefore, remember even when your “have to”s outweigh your “get to”s, God has placed you in this Vocation for his purpose. This is the same God who called his saints in all generations, and sent his son to be born in a manger in order to die and pay the price for your sins. So you have purpose and value, because God says so.
Next month we will look more into the challenge of pursuing our own happiness.


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