Calling

Some Christians want to be rigid regarding their calling/vocation. I learned differently at Christian Counseling School. God does not call us to rigidity. It is unhealthy. We are free in Christ (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Galatians 5:11 ). We can have whichever vocation we want if it is not sinful and is working wholeheartedly for God while walking in love (if we haven't already heard clearly from God regarding a path we need to be on).

I am a Web Producer. I work for God while on the job. My manager is not my boss. Christ is. If I am trustworthy in the little things, He will give me more (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Luke 16:10). There is nothing sinful about being a Web Producer. So, it is of God that I have this vocation. As a Christian, I am free to choose my vocation. God gives us likes and desires. We are a new creation once we come to Christ. When we grow in Him, we have likes and desires that are naturally in line with His Word. He lives in us and is working through us. We are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, 2 Corinthians 5:21). There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Romans 8:1). We are way freer than a lot of Christians seem to realize.

It took me years to understand just how free we are. Christian Counseling school helped me, along with reading Romans and Galatians over and over again. There will be moments in our lives, where God will speak clearly to us regarding a path we need to be on. But there are times, where we won't hear from Him regarding this at all. We just need to ask God to direct our path and then make a decision -- in faith -- regarding vocation. We are to live by faith, not by sight (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, 2 Corinthians 5:7). We are to know we are righteous in Him apart from works. We are not to be frightened when deciding what to do with our lives. Just decide and walk it out. God will meet us as we are walking through it. It is ok to take risks.

A few years ago, I was hired to be (and I am still humbled by it) the Program Manager for the largest campaign of the year for part of a Fortune 50 company worth 17 billion dollars. I had no idea how to be a Program Manager. I am a Web Producer. But my usual title can be ambiguous depending on which company I am working for. In this case, it was for Program Manager. I took the position. I prayed every morning with a friend, that God would help me through it. I took the job and walked in faith. I took the risk. I walked it out with God by my side. He didn't tell me He would be there. I just knew because it is in His Word. I could do this because I already know I am righteous in His Sight. I already know there is no condemnation for me. I already know He loves me unconditionally. And I already know that this sort of work is not sinful. I am free to decide what my work will be. However, there are parameters in which I can make this decision. I look to the following scripture to help me decide, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you" (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011, Philippians 4:8-9).