In Ephesians 2:10, Paul tells the believers in Ephesus “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
I am convinced that there are a large number of believers that are held captive in jobs that are killing their souls, minds, and bodies.
This should not be so.
As a believer, we are designed for more than mindless and soulless work. We are designed to do good works that God has prepared.
Many do not walk in these good works because these works call on us to have time and financial freedom.
Student loans, mortgages, auto loans, credit card debt and the like have made us slaves to debt and captive to “secure” day jobs.
Hearing A New Call
There is a growing movement to use the gives, talents, and abilities God has given to us to work as freelancers or as self-employed business owners.
Many are being called but when they hear the call they respond in fear.
Fear that they will lose financial security.
Fear that they will lose benefits.
Fear that they will lose connection with others (talks around the watercooler anyone?)
These believers, at one time that included me, fail to remember 1 John 4:18. John tells his beloved children (aka his readers), “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”
If you are hearing the call that there is more to the life you are currently living, do not dismiss it because of fear.
Do not be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
~John Rockefeller
The Next Step
The next step is NOT to go into your job tomorrow and tell your boss that you quit.
That would be foolish.
The next step to acting on the call is to listen.
You need to listen to your life.
Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.
~Frederick Buechner, Now and Then: A Memoir of Vocation
One way to do this is to look back on your life and pick 10-15 impactful events.
Write out what the event was and describe it in the best detail you can.
Then write out the meaning you drew from that event. What lessons, for good or bad, did you learn?
After you have done this for 10-15 events, put them in chronological order and look for connections.
Did they include the same or similar people? Is there a consistent activity or subject?
These events helped shaped you into who you are today.
The Journey Continues
The journey to hearing the call and putting it into practice is a long one.
It includes knowing your history, your mental and personality make-up, and what skills and abilities you have.
We will look at these subjects in more detail over the weeks, months, and years ahead.
I would be honored to walk with you on this journey. If you would like resources and help, sign up below.
