Working For the Man Upstairs - Your Job... Your Calling... Your Life!
By: Rev. Tim Radkey
Is it work you're looking for or a chance to serve God? Can they be one and the same? Join us as we consider Working for the Man Upstairs, the newest Men's NetWork Bible study. See how our jobs-no matter what they might be-are a conduit through which God's work is done in this world.
Growing up and getting a job are supposedly marks of adulthood. Sometimes the work we get when we grow up, however, leaves us wondering if there's not something more-something we still have yet to find. In Working For The Man Upstairs, hosted by Pastor Tim Radkey, we see that sometimes it's a matter of perspective. Sometimes it's how we view the work we do.
Understanding the difference between an occupation and a vocation comes down to understanding who's your boss. "Occupation," Radkey says, "has to do with earning a living for you. Vocation has to do with living your life for God." For Christians it's understanding we are "... God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works ... (Ephesians 2:10b). Whether we're hauling garbage or splitting atoms, our work is both a service to God and a conduit through which He accomplishes His purposes in this world.
Understanding that God works through all circumstances-even a difficult job under a questionable boss for mediocre pay-we can still perform admirably knowing that He blesses our efforts. As each of us is called to serve God, He works through us individually as we corporately form Christ's body on earth. This radical truth can turn our thinking around completely.
God is behind what we do-even in the smallest details. According to Martin Luther, our vocation is the mask behind which God hides Himself, working through our lives-our hands, feet, and head-doing great and wonderful things for the people He has placed around us.
And in the end, that's the only work that really matters.