Living our vocation

This week we celebrated Labor Day, the roots of which venture back to the late 1800s. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, labor unions and other workers joined together to protest and fight for safer working conditions, better regulations, and fair pay. In honor of that work, Labor Day was established as a time for rest for workers and celebration of their place in the community.

In the spirit of Labor Day, I thought it would be a great time to celebrate our Lutheran understanding of vocation. Vocation is our "calling" from God - using our skills and talents, we serve God through our work. Though the language of vocation is commonly used in reference to those called to serve God as a pastor or deacon, its meaning is actually much broader.


Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

All Christians are first called to the vocation of the baptized. These promises, re-affirmed at Confirmation, include a calling to "live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper; to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth".

The way we live out that calling is in our work. Using our gifts, abilities, and talents, we show forth God's love, serve all people, and strive for justice and peace in the way we conduct ourselves and interact with others - whether that's in a classroom, on the assembly line, behind the wheel, at the register, or in the pulpit. Rooted in our baptism, and empowered and strengthened by God's love for us, we use our gifts in service to our neighbor as we live out God's call. 

To close, I offer this prayer, from Evangelical Lutheran Worship: "O God, give us grace to set a good example to all among whom we live, to be just and true in all our dealings, to be strict and conscientious in the discharge of every duty; pure and temperate in all enjoyment, gracious and generous and courteous toward all; so that the mind of Jesus Christ may be formed in us and all may know that we are his disciples; in whose name we pray. Amen."


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