Despite not having a definitive moment in time where I knew I was called into ministry, I managed to enter the Christian Education program as an undergraduate student. I remember the continued desire to get confirmation that I was headed in the right direction. It never came, not in any way that I wanted. Still, in 2005, I graduated with a degree in Christian Education.
It wouldn't be the only time in life when I really questioned whether I was doing God's will or if I had missed a calling.
Nope. That came up again in life, many times.
The year of 2010 was a significant year for me, personally. Not only did I meet my future husband, but I hit a crossroads in my faith. Along with meeting my future husband came a lot of talk about faith and theology. At the time, I thought I was going to convince him to become a reformed evangelical while he was attending a Lutheran seminary (I know, I know). In order to continue in a dating relationship, we had to take a dive into faith conversations quickly; otherwise, dating really had no point if he was moving into a pastoral role with a wife of a different denomination.
Thus, 2010 became a formative year with regard to faith. There were conversations with Lewis about aspects of faith, as well as a lot of time spent reconciling my understanding of Scripture, grappling with the confessions of the evangelical church, and listening to Fighting for the Faith as I dissected and critically reviewed sermons. So much of what I've come to learn about the doctrine of vocation comes from this time in life.
Following adult confirmation in the fall of 2010, I became Lutheran. Through the Lutheran confessions, I have a clear understanding of the faith God has given me, the faith God gives to all of us, and how He works in and through us. None of the Beth Moore books, Purpose Driven Life devotions, or conversations about spiritual strongholds (looking back, these conversations could be considered borderline abusive now) ever provided the comfort and peace I sought with respect to callings in life. But, Scripture did and still does. God calls us, but not in ways unknown or mystical. He calls us in practical ways: in the mundane, the ordinary, the every day life. He calls us to serve one another, not because He needs our good works, but because our neighbor does.
The doctrine or understanding of vocation is not necessarily unique to Lutherans, though. Even if we don't interpret Scripture similarly in regard to Baptism or the Lord's Supper, the doctrine of vocation may be an aspect of the faith that can be shared by all Christians. All Christians seek for meaning and purpose in daily life. Exploring, discussing, and teaching the doctrine of vocation changes the quality of the work we do in service to our neighbor, gives meaning to the mundane, and purpose to work in every day life (1 Corinthians 7:17).
Vocation is where sanctification happens as Christians grow spiritually in
faith and in good works. Vocation is where evangelism happens as Christians
teach their children and interact with nonbelievers. Vocation is where cultural
influence happens as Christians take their places and live out their faith in every
niche of society. Vocation is the theology of the Christian life. (Veith, 2011, p. 130)
If you're like me, you can relate to the disappointment and frustration from when God failed to descend from the clouds on high or whisper in your ear the direction in which to go. He didn't unveil His specific plans as to where I should go to college or what to study. Instead, He gave me life, faith, salvation, skills, talents, and callings in every day life as a daughter, employee, church member, citizen, etc. to serve those around me in each station of life.
What I wish I had known back in the fall of 2000. What am I to do with my life? The answer could have been easier, less daunting or stressful.
Love and serve your neighbor. That's it.
Go to that college, Liz, study that major. Stop waiting for that one calling when you have so many.
I think that's why I'm here now, blogging (we've already established that the blogging craze passed yeeeaaarrrsss ago, so it's certainly not to be trendy). I want to share what I have learned with others--to relieve them of the frustration, disappointment, confusion, apathy, and flat out false understanding of how God works in our lives. I want to share how God has chosen to work in and through us... to wear us as masks, hidden in our good works, deeds, and service.
I have other plans, besides blogging, on how I hope to accomplish this. For now, hang tight.
Veith, G. E. “Vocation: The Theology of the Christian Life.” The journal of markets & morality 14.1 (2011): 119–. Print.
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