Pursuing a Calling in Corporate America?

One of the questions that is most difficult for me to answer is “what have been the keys to your career?” The question doesn’t bother me but it doesn’t always resonate with me. So, why is that?

I currently hold a senior position in a medium-sized firm with all the responsibilities, challenges and benefits that come with that role. Additionally, I am fortunate to have worked for the same firm throughout my professional life. The stability has been comforting and the values of the company and its ownership are totally aligned with my own beliefs in terms of “doing the right thing” and “treating others the way you would want to be treated.” But the reason the question is hard to answer is not just because my path is unusual—most adults will change jobs 5-7 times over the course of their professional life—but because my perspective is different. I really don’t think about pursuing a career. My focus is on responding to a calling.

My view of work and all of life is through the lens of faithful stewardship. The bottom line for me is simply this: our life is ultimately all about stewardship. Stewardship—managing God’s resources for His glory—is the expression of a relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Here’s an easy way to say it: our life is God’s gift to us and what we do with our life is our gift back to Him. If you look at life through the lens of stewardship then you are much more likely to be listening for God’s call on your life. You begin to ask some key questions like “how has God gifted me?” or “what passion has God put on my heart?” Ultimately, when you ask the question, “what has God called me to do?” you begin to approach your professional life in a different way. I am the only me and you are the only you. And God has called each one of us to make a unique contribution to His Kingdom as stewards of the many gifts he has given us.

So, my encouragement is simply this: we identify our gifts and talents, discover our passions and interests, and ultimately listen for God’s call of how to apply those gifts and pursue those passions for His glory. If we do, the road ahead will not be perfectly smooth but it will be headed in the right direction which is towards Him and in the service of others. Not a bad ride at all.