Devotions/YouVersion – Called To Work

95. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – The Call to Work-Life Rhythm

July 20, 2026

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1

Although we are focusing on God’s call to work, work is only one element of life. God calls us to belong to Christ in every area of our lives. Our jobs are not necessarily the most important aspect of our calling.

First, we must remember that work is not limited to paid work. The work God leads us to may be unpaid work, such as raising children or caring for a disabled family member or tutoring students after school.

Even if you have a paid job, the most important work God calls you to may be outside your job. Your job may meet your need for money—which in itself fulfills part of God’s command to work —but it may not fulfill all the other purposes God has for your work. For example, caring for children, aged or incapacitated people is a kind of work. On the other hand, a so-called hobby could be the most important work God is leading you to. You might work at writing, painting, music, acting, astronomy, leading a youth group, volunteering at a historical society, maintaining a nature reserve or a thousand other kinds of work. Any given activity could be work for one person, and leisure for another.

Second, we must take care to not let work dominate the other elements of life. Even if God leads you to a particular job or profession, you will need to set limits to that work to make room for the other elements of God’s call or guidance in your life. If God leads you to be married and to be a small business owner, for example, then you will have to balance the time and responsibilities of both callings. Work should not crowd out leisure, rest and relationships. There is no formula for balancing work and the other elements of life. But take care not to let a sense of calling to a job blind you to God’s calling in the other areas of life.

Video: Watch the short video Balancing Act with Howard Butt, Jr. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZHbRNH79oo

Prayer: Dear God, Give me your eyes to see all of the ways in which I am living out my calling. Please show me how to wisely invest my time, energy and talent in each of the places you’re calling me to. If my focus is out of balance or needs correction, I invite you to guide me. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

94. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Did You Miss Your Vocation?

July 13, 2026

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:15-17

Christians want advice on how to hear God’s call for their lives. Young professionals worry that God may not have called them to the work they are doing every day. Middle-aged workers worry that they have missed their calling. All of us long for a sense of purpose in our day-to-day lives, but many of us are expecting too much of that purpose to come from work that we do. People confuse calling and career, wanting to reduce a deep theological truth to a simple strengths finder tool.

Our work has meaning, yes. God cares about our work. Our work can benefit the community around us. It can function as a tool to refine us in God’s image. Through our work, we can even use specific skills and talents to serve others. But our work is first of all an opportunity to follow Jesus—to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Mark Labberton, President of Fuller Seminary” says it like this in his book Called:

“The vocation of every Christian is to live as a follower of Jesus today. In every aspect of life, in small and large acts, with family, neighbors and enemies, we are to seek to live out the grace and truth of Jesus. This is our vocation, our calling. Today.”

Video: Watch this short video on Calling with Mark Labberton, President of Fuller Seminary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIZpEXtgt3g

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for inviting us to serve you in the ordinary places of our lives. Your grace and truth and love sometimes seem like higher callings than the regular work I face everyday, but it is in my regular work that I live out your gospel and share it with others. Guide me today. Let me be salt and light for you.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

93. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Is There a Difference Between Calling and Work?

July 6, 2026

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Our calling is primarily about our identity. And that is not usually the answer people are looking for when they ask, “What is my calling?” Usually, people want to know, “What job should I do? What career should I take? What skill, what capacity, what gift might be distinctly mine?”

Our calling is not merely a job description or even principally a set of skills or gifts. Our calling is an identity. Who are we?

As creatures made in God’s image, we are known by Jesus and called to be faithful followers. I might not have a job. I might not have a clear picture of whether my work is meaningful or satisfying. I may have very meaningful work that doesn’t satisfy. Whatever the combination of circumstances might be, the questions of identity are still the same:

Who am I to be today? How do I live as an earnest follower of Jesus who displays the righteousness and justice and mercy of God?

Video: Watch the short video, “Is there a difference between calling and work?” with Mark Labberton, President of Fuller Seminary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u9n2zA7Quw

Prayer: Dear God, remind me of my identity in you. I am your follower, your servant, your disciple. Thank you for calling me to this service. No matter what task I am facing, let me always remember my identity as a child of God by your mercy and grace. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

92. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Are Some Jobs More Sacred Than Others?

June 29, 2026

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:23

Many Christians have the impression that church workers — especially evangelists, missionaries, pastors, priests, ministers and the like — have a higher calling than other workers. While there is little in the Bible to support this impression, by the Middle Ages, “religious” life—as a monk or nun—was widely considered holier than ordinary life. Regrettably, this distortion remains influential in churches of all traditions, even though the doctrine of virtually every church today affirms the equal value of the work of lay people. In the Bible, God calls individuals both to church-related and non-church-related work.

God’s guidance can occur just as strongly in non-church-related jobs and professions. Non-church work is as much “full-time Christian service” as church work. All Christians are called (that is, commanded) to conduct everything they do, round the clock, as full-time service to Christ.

The only jobs that do not have equal status in God’s eyes are those that require work forbidden by the Bible or are incompatible with its values. For example, jobs requiring stealing, false witness or greed, usury, damage to health, or harm to the environment are incongruent with God’s heart for the world. This is not to say that people who do these jobs have lesser status in God’s eyes. Jobs of this sort might be the lesser of two evils in some situations. If your job is inconsistent with God’s values, you can seek to determine if it is necessary (and possible) to change jobs, do your job differently, or take action to correct injustice in your current workplace.

Video: Watch the short video “Are We Called by God to Our Jobs?” with James B. Wood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-HxvtY9wDk

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that everyone who follows you is called to “full-time Christian service.” Please help us, the body of believers, hear your call. Teach us how to partner with you as we work. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

91. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Freedom in Chris

June 22, 2026

Scripture Reading: John 8:36, 2 Corinthians 3:17

The three considerations we’ve studied— the needs of the world, your skills and gifts, and your truest desires — are guides for discerning your calling, but they are not absolutes. For one thing, in a fallen world, you may have very little ability to choose your job.

In some cases, it may be better to find ways to participate in Christ’s work in your current job than to try to find a job you think you’ll like better. Discerning your calling includes making choices about your profession, as well as learning how to follow God’s leading in the work you find yourself doing, even if you don’t like it.

God is with you wherever you work. Whatever your job, God’s gifts enable you to work for the common good, to find more contentment in your work, and/or to overcome or endure the negative aspects of your situation. It is also possible that God’s guidance could lead you away from a detrimental work situation.

In Christ, believers have perfect freedom: That means you have the freedom to take risks, to fail, and to make mistakes. Take heart, at the end, you will not be judged on getting the right job or even fulfilling your God-given potential. You will be judged on the merits of Jesus Christ, applied to you only by God’s grace. The calling to belong to Christ is God’s only indispensable calling.

Video: Watch the short video “Why is it hard to connect spiritual value to our work?” with author Dwaine Massey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVcjQfl2PGc

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the freedom I have in you. I pray that I would continue to grow in the knowledge of your grace. Help me be a witness to your goodness in every area of my life, especially work. I pray that you would bless my co-workers and everyone who is served by our work. May they experience something of you today. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

90. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider Your Truest Desires

June 15, 2026

Scripture Reading: Psalms37:4, Romans 7:21-25, Philippians 2:13

The third consideration: the Bible says your truest or deepest desires are important to God.

Christians sometimes expect that if God calls them to some job, it will be something they hate. Otherwise, why would God have to call them to it? One morbid Christian fantasy is to think of one country you would hate living in, and then suppose that God is calling you to be a missionary there. But the best missionaries have a great desire for the place and people they serve. If God is guiding you towards some kind of job or profession, it’s more likely that you may find a deep desire for it in your heart. And in some cases, your truest desires may be met through other areas of life, not necessarily in work.

It can be difficult to get in touch with your truest or deepest desires. Our motivations become so confused by sin and the brokenness of the world that our apparent desires are often far from the true desires that God has implanted in the depths of our hearts. For this reason, we cannot just say, “Do what makes you happy.” What makes you happy—or seems to make you happy—might be far from using your skills and gifts for the common good. It may also be possible that the work that would fulfill your true desire at first appears undesirable; it may require great sacrifice and difficult labor.

Knowing what you truly desire requires spiritual maturity.

Reflection Questions: Ask yourself what you truly desire. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Write it down. What are you afraid to admit that you desire? How do you spend your time? What can’t you imagine living without? Who do you hang out with, and why? Think of 3 to 5 moments in your life when you were engaged in activities that made you feel alive—what were you doing, and why? Do you see any patterns?

Prayer: Jesus, I bring all of who I am before you. I pray that as I seek you, you would mold and reveal the desires of my heart. If there is any fear or sin in my life that would prevent me from pursuing the desires you’ve given me, I ask that you would set me free. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

89. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider Your Skills and Gifts

June 8, 2026

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 28:24-26, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

The second consideration is your skills and gifts. The Bible says that God gives people gifts for accomplishing the work he wants them to do, and it names some of the gifts and skills that God imparts. These include farming, craftsmanship, teaching, leadership, giving, wisdom, miracles, etc.

When Paul discusses the gifts of the Spirit, he is usually referring to their use in the church. But if all work done by Christians is done for the Lord, then we can infer that the Spirit’s gifts are also given for use in the workplace, family life, friendships, recreation, volunteering and the whole breadth of life’s activities. Gifts and skills therefore provide an element of guidance for discerning God’s guidance.

A number of tools have been developed to help people discern their gifts and make use of them in workplace settings. However, it is easy to pay too much attention to your skills and gifts. The penchant for analysis can lead to self-absorption, crowding our attention to the needs of the world. These passages say that God gives gifts for the common good, not personal satisfaction. In addition, God sometimes gives gifts only after you take the job in which you’ll need them. Paying too much attention to the gifts you already have can keep you from receiving the gifts God wants to give you.

Nonetheless, the gifts you already have may give you some indication about how to best meet the needs of the world.

Video: Watch the short video “How Important Is It to Know Your Gifts?” with building contractor Kimberly Renner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SypTamON-E

Reflection Questions: What are the tasks and activities that energize you? What gifts have you or others recognized in you? Have others mentioned benefitting from your gifts? What are gifts or skills you’d like to grow in? Spend time in thought, and consider how you might use your gifts to serve others.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the gifts and skills you have given me. I pray for opportunities to develop and grow in these gifts, as well as use them for your glory. Amen

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

88. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider the Needs of the World

June 1, 2026

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:34-36, Jeremiah 29:7, Ephesians 4:28

There are three major areas to consider when looking for vocational guidance. Today we’ll look at one: the needs of the world.

Frederick Buechner writes: “The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

The single strongest indicator of what God wants you to do is probably your awareness of what needs to be done to make the world more like what God intends. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to solve huge, global problems. For example, earning a living to support yourself and your family is one need mentioned in the Bible. Working to serve the good of the larger society is also a biblical imperative.

Of course, you can’t meet every need of the world, so you have to narrow it down. It is also possible that something in your life other than your job or career is the most important way you are helping to meet the world’s needs.

Reflection Questions：Write down a list of needs of the world that:

· you observe or notice

· you feel strongly about

· affect people you care about

· come to mind when you read the Bible

Then, consider which you are personally responsible for (such as raising your children or paying your debts). Beyond that, pay attention to needs that you are in a good position to meet, that few other people are willing to address, or that you find especially pressing.

God has given everyone the ability to recognize something of what the world needs. There is no biblical formula for translating the needs of the world into a precise job calling. God seems to expect us to notice it and get to work, rather than waiting for a special call from him.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you that you are moved by the world’s “deep hunger.” Please continue to open my eyes to ways (big or small) that you may be inviting me to partner with you to care for the world’s needs. Help me experience your love, that I may love others as you have loved me. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

87. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Direct, Unmistakable Call to Particular Work

May 26, 2026

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, Exodus 31:1-6, Acts 13:2

Now that we understand that the ultimate calling in the Bible is the call to follow Jesus, we are ready to explore calling to specific kinds of work.

If by “calling,” we mean a direct, unmistakable command from God to take up a particular task, job, profession or type of work, then calling is very rare in the Bible. No more than a hundred or so people the Bible received an individual call from God to an exact job. God called Noah to build the ark. God called Moses and Aaron to their tasks. He called prophets such as Samuel, Jeremiah and Amos. He called Abram and Sarah and a few others to undertake journeys or to relocate. He placed people in political leadership including Gideon, Saul and David. God chose Bezalel and Oholiab as craftsmen for the tabernacle. Jesus called the apostles and some other of his disciples, and the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to be missionaries. The word “call” is not always used, but the unmistakable direction of God for a particular person to do a particular job is clear in these cases.

This suggests that a dramatic calling from God is also infrequent today, though it can certainly happen. Moving forward, we’ll instead focus on how God guides or leads people to particular types of work through less obvious means.

Video: Watch the four minute film about “Hunting Creativity” with innovation consultant Barry Saunders. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBJLuHo4_pc

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that not everyone receives a calling to a specific job. However, I pray that you would open my eyes, ears, heart and spirit to be filled with the knowledge of your will. I pray for wisdom to follow you in the work I am currently doing. Help me to walk in obedience to the things that you show me. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

86. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Ask for the Big Picture

May 18, 2026

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:17-20

When we want to know God’s will for our lives, often we’re dealing with very specific issues: where to live, what job to take, whom to marry, where to go to school, and so on. We want to know what God wants us to do in a particular situation, and we want to know it now. To be sure, there are times when God makes his will known without question and in the detail we prefer. But, most of the time, God doesn’t work his way. Rather, discerning God’s specific will for our lives is a matter of wrestling with God in prayer and discovering how his general will ought to be worked out in our lives.

We need to understand what the Lord’s will is, not just in our lives, but in the whole cosmos. Understanding is more than superficial recognition. For example, from Ephesians 1, we know that God’s ultimate purpose is to unite all things in Christ. You and I can easily know this if we read Ephesians 1:9-10. But do we understand it? Does this truth expand our minds and shape our hearts? Does it move us? Does this truth begin to give order to everything else we think and do?

The more we understand, truly and deeply understand, God’s will for the cosmos, the more we internalize God’s will for every individual, the more we grasp his will for the church, the more we will be in a position to discern his specific will for our specific lives. Our story will be shaped by God’s own story, our purpose by his own purpose, our heart by his own heart.

Video: Watch the short video “Does My Career Matter to God?” with author and editor, Andy Crouch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB3SGoRjP9U

Prayer: I pray for myself as Paul prayed in the book of Ephesians. Please give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation so I can get to know you. I pray that my heart would know the hope you’ve called me to, the riches of your glorious inheritance in your people, and the greatness of your power.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Called To Work

Category: Devotions/YouVersion

95. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – The Call to Work-Life Rhythm

94. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Did You Miss Your Vocation?

93. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Is There a Difference Between Calling and Work?

92. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Are Some Jobs More Sacred Than Others?

91. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Freedom in Chris

90. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider Your Truest Desires

89. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider Your Skills and Gifts

88. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Consider the Needs of the World

87. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Direct, Unmistakable Call to Particular Work

86. What Does the Bible Say About Calling – Ask for the Big Picture

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