Labor Day and Christian Vocation

As we observe American Labor Day, the concept of Christian vocation deserves more attention than we often give it. St. Paul's epistles repeatedly remind believers that they have been called in various ways to various stations in life and to various forms of service. In church, the word "vocation" often brings to mind the ordained ministry.  And a vocation to ordained ministry is certainly important, but Christian vocation is a broader concept. Vocation is also more than a job or an occupation, although a job or a profession can be part of the way an individual Christian expresses his/her vocation. 

In fact, every Christian has a general vocation or calling to faith in Christ expressed in all of life. Each Christian also has a unique combination of sub-vocations, including job(s), family roles, community responsibilities, and religious or churchly service. Such a view of vocation goes back to the Scriptures, and it was renewed during the Reformation era by Luther and other reformers. So Labor Day is an appropriate time for us to pause and consider all the ways God calls us and how we may be of greater service to God in all our callings or vocations.