Know anyone who's enjoyed the career of a lifetime? Maybe that person is you. If so, you are uniquely blessed.
The most important role for any individual is that for which God has equipped him through nature and Spirit-given ability. It is vital that each Christian function in the capacity for which God has equipped him. Some may begin, like the apostle Paul, with a special intervention in life that settles the question of vocational call once and for all. At the age of 24, I was asked to teach 11 units of Greek at Biola. I didn't realize it at the time, but that invitation was a Damascus Road-like call to holy vocation and a life set apart for a special ministry. Never forget that God has a special purpose for you. Ask yourself, "How can I best find God's purpose and bring together all that I am and have in a vocation and location that will most effectively promote the accomplishment of his purpose in the world?"
This brings up the matter of how to regard personal tastes, talents, and aptitudes in choosing a career. Obviously, God bestows special gifts that wait to be discovered and used. But there is also such a thing as bowing too low before the altar of ability. Talent is not the ultimate indication of what the Lord wants us to do with our lives. If personal fulfillment is my only goal in life, I have yet to discover the meaning of discipleship, which is self-sacrifice for God's kingdom. Out of love for the Lord or love for others, the disciple will learn to sacrifice his own desires and even his own "rights." The final test of one's calling is, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done." Apparent success, or even a genuine sense of fulfillment, is not in itself a proof that a person is in the center of God's will. So although personal fulfillment is quite legitimate to consider as one piece of the puzzle, it can hardly be the major factor in the choices of a true disciple. In fact, tastes, talents, and aptitudes are often more acquired than inborn and can be developed and even altered through experience and education.
As I look back over my (so far) 50-year teaching career, my gratitude to God knows no bounds. Finding joy and satisfaction in one's vocation is all about discovering the intersection between personal fulfillment and serving a greater purpose. The result is a profound sense of peace and happiness. Embracing your God-given vocation allows you to align your passions with your responsibilities, creating a fulfilling life that resonates with your true self.
Discerning God's call isn't always easy. It certainly wasn't for me. But when we find that call and answer it, we store up eternal happiness for ourselves and help bring about the kingdom of God.
Below: A young Dave just beginning his studies at Biola. He had no idea at the time what his vocational journey would look like. But the Lord knew, and that was all that mattered.
