There’s a difference between your calling and your career. A career is something you pick, but a calling is from the Lord. A career is about you and a calling is about others.

What God calls you to, is a core part of your identity in God. Discovering your calling, then choosing daily to walk in it, has more to do with how you perform your occupation than what your occupation actually is.

For example, you might be a leader for your company with a calling that is different than the leader down the street.  How you both choose to lead in your organization will look drastically different. What you can know for sure, however, is that the people in your organization will know the difference between when you are responding from who you were created to be and when you are living out of a false purpose.

The Bible reminds us that all of us have been given resources, gifts and talents to steward.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Pet 4:10.

My father gave me an incredible example of what it looks like to live out you’re calling. He served as a family practice physician and engaged with the physical needs of his patients as well as their spiritual conditions by sharing what God was doing in his life. He was passionate about discovering and sharing what God is doing in people’s lives.  His calling made an impact in our community – because when you are walking in your calling, it becomes contagious.

We should be encouraged to walk in our calling, because it never changes! Your job may change, but your calling stays the same. When you find purpose in your work and walk in your calling that God has for you, then you will walk alongside others to help them find their calling and purpose.

A bi-vocational career for a Christian typically refers to someone who holds two roles simultaneously—one of which is often a ministry or faith-related role, and the other is a secular career or job. This dual role allows the person to fulfill both their calling (especially in ministry or service) and their career (to support themselves financially or pursue other passions).

In summary, walking in your calling helps you stay anchored in your identity, bringing fulfillment and purpose, no matter what career you pursue. Your calling allows you to serve with a greater sense of meaning, impacts others in profound ways, and provides peace through life’s changes. It’s something that doesn’t fluctuate based on external circumstances, making it an essential part of living a faith-driven, Christ-centered life.

The bi-vocational individual balances their secular career with their ministry or faith-based calling, seeking to serve both God and the world in purposeful ways. The key difference in this type of career is that their secular work is often seen as an extension of their calling or  to support their ministry. Both careers complement each other and can be ways to make a positive impact on both the church and the world.

Walking in your calling is important for several reasons, especially when viewed from a Christian perspective. The belief that a calling never changes, no matter your career, highlights the eternal and unshakable nature of God’s purpose for your life.

My wife and I are pleased that our son at a young age decided to become a family practice physician and see it as a calling and a career.  He served in Africa for 11 years in a remote jungle hospital before returning to Tulsa.  He carries on his practice the same way my father did.  We are thankful for his impact he is making for the Lord in his career and calling.