Understanding the Difference between Work, Purpose, and Calling

Align your calling, passion, and purpose.

After I posted this article, I began to think, “This may be the most important article I will ever write.”

Moving past that delusion, I thought, “No—this may be the most relevant article you read in a long time.”

This article will evolve as we discuss work, purpose, calling, vocation, and the interplay between them.

My Week Begins on Friday

Every Friday morning, I attend a gathering where 100 men meet to talk about living the abundant life in Christ.

I listen to their questions as they struggle to connect their work and their faith.

Why does it sometimes seem so difficult to understand that God promised to guide you along the best pathway for your life? I often pray through Psalm 32:7: “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life, I will advise you and watch over you."

If God redeemed your whole person, why do you think calling is separate from your day-to-day life?

It is fulfilling to the human soul to pursue a career or opportunity to serve that aligns with our calling, passion, and purpose.

I wonder why people remain frustrated working or serving in roles for which they have competency but no passion. Are you wondering where your career fits into God’s purpose?

Could we not understand the difference between vocation, purpose, and calling?

Frederick Buechner wrote:

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
― Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's ABC

Too many of us are taught that our calling and vocation are separate; that vocation is something we’re forced to do, and calling is to a higher, more noble purpose:

The problem in this model is that there’s no way for vocation and calling to intersect. This idea may be suitable for people not in a relationship with God through Christ but not for the Christ-follower. 

When you understand Christ's calling to himself and that he has a pathway for your life, he invites you to join him where he is at work.  A beautiful inversion occurs in how you can think about your career (or vocation) and calling:

Where Calling and Vocation Meet Purpose

God invites you to find a purpose where your life and calling to Christ intersect.

Excited, a friend challenged me: “Ask me about my day!”

I could tell she was holding back the biggest smile I had seen her in a long time, that she had something exciting to share with me.

Her expression was an unbridled joy; she had received a job offer. She already held a position as the vice president of a small business.

The job offer was for a part-time administrative position that aligned perfectly with her passion for helping people and her spiritual gifts of serving, administration, and hospitality.

Before this opportunity came along, she was wondering, “Lord, where do I fit? What’s next for me?”

Her children were grown, and her marriage was thriving. She asked, “Lord, where do you want me to serve?”

She understands what many people don’t: Her calling is to Christ and her choice of vocation is wide open. She knows there is equal value to serving in ministry or business. God invites her to join him where he is at work.

Instead of thinking of her calling and vocation as separate paths in life, now her calling to Christ and passion for serving intersect:

The difference between calling and vocation is best understood when we acknowledge that our calling is first and foremost to Christ in all its dimensions.

God expects us to obey him, and while he chooses some people for specific roles (For example, when he chose David to be Israel’s king), he chose you to be part of his family (Ephesians 1) and allows you the freedom to choose a vocation that aligns with your passion. He promises to guide you.

Where You Find Purpose

You discover purpose when you see where God is working and discover an opportunity where your passion intersects with your calling to Christ.

In the familiar sense of the word, it's where you find your calling, and where you will experience the most impact.

In a world consumed with “leaving a legacy,” this understanding of work, purpose, and calling gives you the potential for impact today and for eternity.

How freeing this is: to live a life worthy of his calling, filled with joy in serving where your gifts, abilities, and passion intersects with God’s grand plan: reconciling people to themselves through Christ.

Think of the impact God can make through you!