Thrive in the City by Living Into the Great StorySample

Discovering Your Craft 

Ever wonder what God thinks about your work? 

To work is sacred and divine. Work is a mark of human dignity because it reflects God’s image in us. Christianity is the only worldview that envisions matter and spirit living together in integrity forever. Our work, paid or unpaid, is one way we participate in the restoration of God’s kingdom as we cultivate blessing out of the created order. 

When you stop working or adding value to the world, you actually miss out on what you were created for. The invitation to co-create with God takes place before the fall. Work is not a result of sin. Work is more challenging and distorted because of sin (dominion turns to domination), but was always part of God’s original design.

We work to serve our neighbor, and in a global economy our work is more interconnected than we probably realize. As a quick exercise, imagine how many people serve you through their work when you buy a cup of coffee from your local coffee shop.

(Wait . . . really, stop and think about it for a minute) 

There are farmers who plant, pickers who harvest the cherries (a labor intensive process), workers who process the cherries, those who dry, mill and export to those who roast the beans, the taster who ensures the quality, those who package the coffee, the truck driver that transports the coffee, the sales person who establishes relationship with a place of business, the owner who oversees all the daily operations of the coffee shop, and the barista who actually prepares your drink. All of these people in various jobs and economies have served you, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee.

Work, therefore, is loving and serving your neighbor with your God-given abilities.

If you are seeking clarity in your vocation, only 20% of people know exactly what they want to pursue by their mid-twenties. For most people, vocation is formed, not found. This formation process is based on discovering gifts and talents as you make something of the world, decisions and mistakes you make, and discerning God’s voice along the way. Passion (what you are willing to suffer for) follows mastery of a craft and is the outcome of a life well-lived, not necessarily the starting point. 

Take a moment with God.

How do you view your work or craft?

Think about the people you serve through your work and all the people who serve you through the practical things you use and or experience today.