https://brilliantperspectives.com/discovering-freedom-in-devotion/
Your Sacred Sphere. Jordan Raynor
Standard“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT)
Theologian Frederick Buechner gives a profound depiction of vocational calling when he states that, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” This quote neatly and powerfully captures the very essence of our calling and vocation. On the one hand, it is deeply satisfying to the laborer—providing “deep gladness.” On the other hand, it is not a selfish labor, but one that is done for the good of the world. It is a sacred sphere. A sphere of our life that God wishes to fill with abundance, creativity, beauty, and life-giving power. It becomes the platform for our own great joy and pleasure. Yet, it also becomes the vehicle by which we reach into the world around us to bring about restoration and flourishing.
As we’ve seen, we must recognize our vocational calling as the intersection of our passions and giftings. God has granted us passions that bring about “deep gladness” within us. But if we are to meet the deep needs of this world, we must look beyond our passions to also discern the gifts God has given us and the work He has equipped us to do exceptionally well. Our giftings are the muscles that move our enflamed and impassioned arms and legs to useful, service-like action.
Together, our passions and giftings make up the basis of our vocational calling. They lead us to the work God has made us for. Whether this work is launching a new start-up or collecting garbage, creating beautiful public art or lovingly educating a class of first graders, our work is our sacred sphere. It is the place where God is daily put on display. He shines in our joy and gladness. He radiates through our labors. He fills our work with power beyond ourselves.
As such, our vocation is always a useful undertaking. When it is fun and exciting, and when it is hard and difficult. When it appears to be meaningful and actually making a difference, and when it seems monotonous and mundane. In every possible state, we can rest knowing that ultimately this is the sacred sphere God has called us to labor in. To Him be honor and glory in our lives and vocation forever!
As we’ve seen, we must recognize our vocational calling as the intersection of our passions and giftings. God has granted us passions that bring about “deep gladness” within us. But if we are to meet the deep needs of this world, we must look beyond our passions to also discern the gifts God has given us and the work He has equipped us to do exceptionally well. Our giftings are the muscles that move our enflamed and impassioned arms and legs to useful, service-like action.
Together, our passions and giftings make up the basis of our vocational calling. They lead us to the work God has made us for. Whether this work is launching a new start-up or collecting garbage, creating beautiful public art or lovingly educating a class of first graders, our work is our sacred sphere. It is the place where God is daily put on display. He shines in our joy and gladness. He radiates through our labors. He fills our work with power beyond ourselves.
As such, our vocation is always a useful undertaking. When it is fun and exciting, and when it is hard and difficult. When it appears to be meaningful and actually making a difference, and when it seems monotonous and mundane. In every possible state, we can rest knowing that ultimately this is the sacred sphere God has called us to labor in. To Him be honor and glory in our lives and vocation forever!
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Jordan Raynor
Author, Called to Create
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