Vocation vs. calling, what’s the difference?
Inquiring minds want to know. You can’t be the only one that dreads going to work, right?
The only one who wonders if God hasn’t called you to something else altogether?

Have you missed the signs? Did you take the wrong exit? Are you lost, and how do you get back on track to where God has meant for you to be?
Like many things in life, the answer isn’t so simple. But take heart; you are not the only one wondering. 
Let’s dig into these terms together to get the answers you’ve been looking for.

Definition of calling

We assign different meanings to words depending on the ebb and flow of culture. 
These two words are no exception, but it’s essential if we are to discuss them to have a clear definition as we use them today. According to Websters, a calling is a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action, especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence. 

The word often brings up images of Mother Teresa and her work in Calcutta, ministering to the less fortunate. Yet it doesn’t always manifest that way. You, too, have a calling. We all do. 

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 says, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”

We were all bought at a price, and because of that, we live for Him. We are all ambassadors of the Highest, here to love a dying world into a relationship with Him. 
That is our calling. By loving each other and the world, when people see us, they see Him.  

Definition of vocation 

Vocation, oddly enough, has a similar definition- from the Latin word vocationem, literally meaning “being called.” 
As it’s often the case, the word lost its original meaning and, around the 1550s, became synonymous with one’s occupation or profession. 

Which is how many of us use it today.
Be that as it may, the Bible still admonishes us that whatever we do, “we do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). 

Meaning we shouldn’t despise the work we often do to provide for our family. But instead, prove ourselves as worthy of our namesake and do the job excellently and without reproach. 
Easier said than done when your boss and co-workers are your least favorite people.

But it bears repeating that you may be the only Jesus they see. And while it isn’t where you would want to be, it is the place God has placed you; to shine His light in a dark corner of someone’s life. So treat your occupation as the mission field it is. 

Work as means of identity

The weight we put on our profession as a means of identity is why we wrestle with this question so much.
After all, when you meet someone, what’s the first thing you ask? 
“Nice to meet you! What do you do?” And if your answer isn’t what you want it to be (success story, doctor, engineer, etc.), who are you?
And are you as valuable as someone that seems to have it all? 

The Creator of the universe knew you before you were born and loved you despite all your flaws. His love for you was so great and transcendent that He divested Himself of His power (Philippians 2:7) to get to know you and pay the ultimate price so you and He would be united one day.

Get your mind around that. No Ph.D., no MD required. Just you. Our problem, my brother and my sister- is that we measure our success by the world’s standards, not God’s. The Bible says we are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)-you are loved, chosen, and redeemed. Christ’s suffering on the cross is the only validation you should ever need. 

God’s plan for your life

According to Romans, we have “gifts that differ, according to the grace given to us” (12:6). While this passage refers to prophesy and exhortation, there is no denying the gift of song when Sister Grace stands up to sing. Or the way Sister Mary never met a stranger in her life.  All good gifts are from above (James 1:17) for the edification of the church and, yes, for you to use in the workplace. The question then becomes, how do you know what God wants you to do? 

Psalm 37:4 tells us to “take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
That doesn’t mean a Lambo, a Ducati, and a mansion with a whole staff. No. 

When we spend time with God, our heart yearns for more of Him. We hunger for the Word and the fruit it brings. The desires of your heart become whatever God wants, and in the end, that means getting more of Him. The beautiful thing about communing with God is that you are in tune with Him; when He speaks, you’ll hear it. Loud and clear. 

We often want God to say something and tell us where to go or what to do. But have you ever thought He is only silent because it’s not time to move yet?
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).” 

God has a future for you beyond your wildest dreams, a dream of His making that nothing you could imagine can best. But the price is surrender and submission to His perfect will. Without that, you will continue to look for your path with a broken compass. 

What’s in a word

Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Of course, he was talking about love, not an unfulfilling job. But whether it’s a calling or a vocation, it can be frustrating to feel like you aren’t where you want to be. It can leave you discouraged and disgruntled, wondering if God even sees you down here, floundering in disappointment.

He sees you. The question is, are you plugged into Him enough to hear when He calls? The world knows nothing of your value and the gifts you have to offer. But God does. He made you specifically for this place and time to jump into an adventure only He can give you. Embrace Him completely, and you will discover your purpose. Give it all to Him, and you will find peace.