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The Definition Of Calling : An Occupation Undertaken For A Significant Period Of A Person 's Life

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To the untrained mind the words calling and career may seem to have the same meaning, but this is untrue. I too once thought the same thing. However, core 100, the reading from Baart and the assigned readings changed my mind. Now, I know that the word calling and the word career are different and have different meanings. The dictionary meaning of career is ‘an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person 's life and with opportunities for progress.’ Career is a secular word. It is used very frequently without even thought of what it means. This is a particular line of work that someone does to earn an income. A career requires an education or training and keeps society going. Usually our careers are what put us in a different social class or bracket than another person. It is unfortunate that what we do for a living has an impact on who we can or can’t hang out with. I don’t think God designed for this to happen. The secular definition of calling is not very different than the definition of career, but my worldview changes the meaning of calling. The dictionary definition of calling is ‘a strong urge toward a particular way of life or career; a vocation.’ The writers of this definition does not seem to have a theological grasp on the meaning of the word. Calling has many meanings. I would define calling as a God-given purpose to use one’s time, energy, talents and abilities to serve God within his creation. Our calling is what God designed us to do. He gives

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