By Karen Kogler

I knew the world had changed the first time someone told me, “Oh, I never check my voicemail. Everyone texts me.” Communication never used to be so complicated. When I was growing up, my Mom would simply stand on our front porch and holler for us kids to come home for supper! We got the message.

Communication methods change, but at least one thing stays the same. Someone initiates communication so that someone else can respond. One person calls, another answers.

That’s the concept behind the word vocation, a word taken directly from the Latin word for “calling.” Often today it’s used to refer to work in general, and manual labor in particular. (Consider the kinds of skills taught in vocational or technical colleges.)

The term is often also used to express the idea that someone is being drawn or dedicated to a task or goal. We think of teaching or woodworking or parenting as more than a job; each is a calling! While even atheists use the term, in truth, a calling never arises out of nowhere. Someone issues the call. Someone stands behind it.

To what service are you called? Are you a daughter or father or grandmother or uncle? a Sunday school teacher, church officer, or nursery worker? an accountant, or CEO, or mechanic, or sales rep? In whatever ways you serve others, in whatever capacity, whether you’re paid for it or not, remember that your Savior is the One who stands behind your life’s callings. He first called you to faith and to a relationship with himself (Jude 1:1). Now, he calls you to daily tasks.

You’ll be on the receiving end of a lot of communication today. Don’t miss the most important call of all! Read his text, his love note to you - the Bible. Respond in prayer and in action. Let all you do flow out of love to the One who has saved you and called you with a holy calling. (Read Romans 12:4–8.)

Editor’s note: CTA offers several devotion books regarding Christian service. The books make great appreciation gifts for teachers, staff members, and volunteers. Check them out today!

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