Your Life Has a Calling: Ordinary Work, Holy Purpose
The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet
Many Christians hear the word calling and immediately think of a dramatic life assignment: a dream job, a big mission, a perfect plan. If that’s you, take a breath. In Scripture, “calling” is often much simpler and much more comforting. God calls you to belong to Him in Christ—and then He sends you into everyday life to love the people right in front of you. That means your life is not wasted when it’s ordinary. Ordinary is exactly where God likes to do His work through you.
This is why the Bible can speak so positively about plain, regular living: “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands… so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12). That’s not a small vision. It’s human and good. God honors faithful work that provides, protects, serves, repairs, teaches, builds, cleans, heals, and keeps promises—especially when nobody applauds.
Vocation isn’t only your paycheck. It includes your stations in life: parent, child, spouse, friend, neighbor, citizen, church member, worker, employer, employee. Some seasons feel impressive; others feel hidden. Some are productive; others are seemingly fruitless. But none are meaningless. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Notice the encouragement there: God prepares good works ahead of time. You don’t have to invent your worth. You walk in what He sets before you.
That also means your daily tasks—especially the frustrating ones—can be done with a peaceful heart: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). This isn’t pressure to be perfect. It’s a reminder that your work isn’t trapped inside human opinions or valuations. A faithful teacher isn’t only serving students; a faithful mechanic isn’t only fixing cars; a faithful mother isn’t only doing laundry. God is quietly caring for His creation through the work He gives to His people.
If you’re discouraged in your work right now—underappreciated, tired, uncertain—bring that honestly to the Lord. Then ask one simple question this week: Who is God serving through me today? You may be surprised by the answer. And if you’re between jobs, retired, or limited by health, your calling has not vanished. Loving, praying, encouraging, listening, helping in small ways—these are not “lesser” works. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). God’s mercy in Christ frees you to do what’s in front of you—without panic, without proving yourself, without financial desperation—just steady in loving service.
