Vocational Disciplines (3)

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1.18-20

Vocation
We’re looking at those vocational disciplines with which fill up the time God allots us in an ongoing effort of seeking His Kingdom and glory.

Naturally, our vocation involves certain kinds of work, good works, for which Christ has redeemed us. And in the Kingdom of God, the work we’ve been given to do is always greater than the job at which we work. We seek the Kingdom and glory of God at all times, in all our relationships, roles, and responsibilities. Each of us has a unique and individual calling from the Lord, and discerning and embracing that calling is the daily duty of each one of us as followers of Jesus Christ.

For it is in the time of our lives, in the work we’ve been given to do, that we work out our salvation in fear and trembling, willing and doing that which finds us squarely situated in the favor and blessings of the Lord (Phil. 2.12, 13).

And, as we might imagine, such a way of life, this pursuing the Lord’s calling for our lives, can be enhanced by careful and prayerful planning.

The “Yes” path
God is at work within us to transform us into the image of Jesus, so that He increases in us as we decrease (Jn. 3.30). This is the work of spiritual disciplines. As we are being transformed we serve as conduits of God’s grace and truth to the people around us. This is the work of relational disciplines.

Vocational disciplines prepare us for the good works we will do as we travel our journey in the Lord, in all the areas where God has called us to serve Him. When it comes to the direction in which our calling leads us, God’s Word to us is “Yes!” Vocation is a positive, hopeful, even thrilling way of filling up the time of your life. God says “Yes” to your needs, “Yes” to your desires, hopes, longings, and aspirations. The road that marks your journey, as you work to fulfill the Lord’s calling, is “Yes” – positive and affirming and fruitful.

That is, as long as you travel the highway of God’s promises toward communion with, participation in, and witness to Jesus Christ.

God’s precious and very great promises, all of which are fulfilled in Jesus, can guide our every next step, but we must walk in them day by day, moment by moment, in every situation and for every task. Here is where vocational disciplines come into play, leading us ever more deeply, joyously, and fruitfully into the “Yes” of our calling in the Kingdom and glory of God.

And to be succinct, the “Yes” of our lives is Jesus, and the way to that “Yes” is the Word and promises of God. As we pursue our calling, God says “Yes” – Jesus! – to us for everything He is leading and equipping us to do.

Planning for Jesus
God has invested His glory in Jesus (Heb. 1.3). He is moving His people into Christ-likeness through His Word of promise (2 Cor. 3.12-18). He leads and draws us forward by affirmation, so that we walk the path toward Christ gladly, joyfully, eagerly. If, in any area of our lives, any aspect of our calling, we are seeking any goal or promise other than what God has spoken, we depart the “Yes” path to Jesus and are following the “No” path of self-interest, leading only to more of self and the ways and concerns of the flesh.

But we can make sure the direction of our lives, in all aspects of our calling, continues to line up with God’s “Yes” in Jesus, if we will take the time to pray and plan about how Jesus should come to expression in and through our lives. Here we must always bear in mind that Jesus intends to fill our lives and overflow our lives into our Personal Mission Fields (Eph. 1.19-22; 4.10), so that His light, His love, and His presence and power are the fruit of all our works.

So it’s probably a good idea to review the promises of God more frequently (Gen. 12.1-3; cf. 2 Pet. 1.4), and to discern the specific ways in which these promises are fulfilled by and expressive of our Lord Jesus Christ. Use part of your time in prayer each day to seek the Lord’s work for that day, and to envision the way His glory in Jesus should come to expression in each aspect and opportunity of your calling (Ps. 90.12, 16, 17). We will be more likely to abide within the will of God for our calling if our plans each day enable us to commune with, participate in, and bear witness to our Lord Jesus Christ in all things (Jms. 4.13-15).

Seek the Lord in all your plans, and He will move you forward in His “Yes.”

Next steps: What is your approach to planning the work of your day? Are you conscious of Jesus in your planning? Of how He might come to expression through your work? How can you improve your planning? Talk with a friend or church leader about these questions.

T. M. Moore

This week’s study, Vocational Disciplines, is part 5 of a 7-part series on The Disciplined Life, and is available as a free download by clicking here. We have prepared a special worksheet to help you begin getting your disciplines in proper shape for seeking the Kingdom. Write to T. M. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for your free PDF of the “Disciplined Life Worksheet.”

A rightly-disciplined life requires a Kingdom vision, and that vision is centered on Jesus Christ exalted. T. M. has prepared a series of meditations on the glorious vision of Christ, based on Scripture and insights from the Celtic Christian tradition. Order your copy of Be Thou My Vision by clicking here.

Sign up for ViewPoint Leaders Training, free and online, and start your own ViewPoint discussion group.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.