Finding Purpose in Our Work: A Christian Perspective
As Christians, we often struggle to connect our faith with our daily work. We may feel like we’re living two separate lives – one on Sunday mornings and another on Monday mornings. But what if our work was more than just a necessary evil? What if it was a vital part of our calling as followers of Christ?
The Problem of the “Sunday-Monday Gap”
David Miller, a leading expert on faith and work, notes that many Christians experience a “Sunday-Monday gap,” where their Sunday worship bears little relevance to their Monday work. This gap can lead to a sense of disconnection and purposelessness in our daily lives.
A Theology of Vocation
The concept of vocation, or calling, is central to Christian theology. It’s not just about what we do, but about who we are and why we do it. Our primary calling is to follow Christ, and our secondary calling is to do a specific work that honors Him.
The Gospel and Our Work
The gospel transforms not only our personal lives but also our work. When we come to the foot of the cross, we bring our work with us, and it’s transformed by the power of the gospel. Our work becomes a way to love God and our neighbor, and to bring glory to Him.
Primary and Secondary Callings
Os Guinness makes a helpful distinction between our primary calling and our secondary callings. Our primary calling is to follow Christ, and our secondary calling is to do a specific work that honors Him. Both callings are essential to living a life of Christian faithfulness.
Taking Our Stewardship Seriously
A large portion of our time on earth is given to our work, and we would be wise to take this stewardship seriously. By embracing a theology of vocation, we can find purpose and meaning in our daily work, and live lives that honor God.
Conclusion
Our work matters, not just because it’s a necessary part of life, but because it’s a vital part of our calling as followers of Christ. By embracing a theology of vocation, we can find purpose and meaning in our daily work, and live lives that honor God.
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