5 & 6 Apr 2025 (Pastoral Page) VOCATION AND CALLING

By Ms Lilian Poon

Did you know that another definition of “vocation” is actually “calling”? From the very beginning when God created humanity, He blessed them to be fruitful and have dominion, putting (assigning) man to work in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:28, 2:15). This suggests that work and destiny were interconnected. It is also fascinating to note that the Garden of Eden was planted by God Himself, filled with trees that were both pleasing to the eye and good for food (Genesis 2:8). Adam’s work was not burdensome; rather, he thrived in divine providence.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” As we celebrate God’s creative work in us, we must recognize that He has ordained “good works” for us to fulfil. In the original Greek, the term “works” does not refer solely to evangelism or ministry but also to the employment we engage daily. No wonder so many of us find our identity in our work—it is how we are wired. However, there is a challenge. From the moment sin enters the world, the ground became cursed, work became toiling labour, thorns and thistles grew in place of crops.

But thanks be to God - Christ’s redemptive work transforms it all. Paul declared in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are now a new creation in Christ, old things have passed away, all things have become new! The term “All” means everything. Christ’s atonement redeems not only us, but He also restores our work and vocation. John 15 reminds us that God desires us to be fruitful in our life in Christ, which includes our work. Our relationship with Christ is integral in making a difference between work as merely a job or calling. God is immensely interested in what we do daily. Recognising that would be the first step towards divine fulfilment within our vocation. Has God gifted you with passion, talents, knowledge, temperament? Do they line up with what you are doing in your career? While I have been working full-time in church most of my life, there was a season of a few years where I was out working in the marketplace. Despite this change, I continue to use my administrative and organizational giftings. God’s calling is not confined to a location, it is about who we are, not just where we are.

A crucial question to ask about our career journey is: “What is the purpose of our existence within this fleeting moment of earthly life, set against eternity?” A significant part of this brief existence is our work and vocation. Consider how Christ worked as a carpenter for thirty years before launching into three years of ministry. Samuel served in the temple for years before becoming a prophet. Joshua was Moses’ assistant long before leading Israel (Exodus 33:11). Paul was both a missionary and a tentmaker. Each of them embraced God’s purpose even in seemingly mundane tasks as part of the process leading to their calling.

I mentioned that I was out in the marketplace for a few years. It was a fulfilling season that was marked by spiritual growth and opportunities to minister, pray and support people around me. There were good conversations about faith and a few have remained good friends till today.

If you find yourself in a season of transition or struggling to see where God is at work in your job, I encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Ask Him to refine your perspective on your vocation. Sometimes, a small shift in mindset can be the first step toward a significant breakthrough in your journey.