Why Christians in the Marketplace need Clarity of their Calling and Purpose

There are many different paths to success as a Christian in the marketplace, but there are some commonalities that successful Christians in the marketplace share. One of those commonalities is that they have a clear sense of their calling and purpose. While some  may feel called to a specific industry or sector, others may feel called to serve a specific need in their community. No matter what their particular circumstances may be, however, all successful Christians in the marketplace have a deep sense of why they are doing what they are doing. 

We see an example of such clarity in the Biblical story of Joseph. Joseph was literally on the market at one time. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, but he eventually found himself in a position of power and influence in Egypt. As the years passed, Joseph had every opportunity to forget his roots and become lost in his new life. But Joseph never forgot where he came from and how God by his grace had enabled him to end up in the position he was in. He knew that he had been called by God to be a blessing to his family and to his people, and he faithfully used his gifts, talents and position to serve those around him. 

The dream that Joseph had in his childhood served to strengthen this sense of calling and purpose. It was a reminder that no matter what happened, he was not alone; God was with him and had a plan for his life. It was also a reminder that, no matter what happened to him in this life, he was called by God to be a blessing to others.

This same sense of calling and purpose ought to be seen in the lives of Christians in the marketplace today. They may not have had a specific dream like Joseph did, but they know that they are where they are because God has called them to be a blessing in the marketplace.  This knowledge gives them the motivation to work hard, even when the odds seem insurmountable. It is what drives them to find creative solutions to problems and to serve  with excellence. 

This is just one example of how a sense of calling can help Christians in the marketplace find success despite the odds. When we are clear about why we are doing what we are doing, it gives us a sense of focus and direction that can help us overcome any obstacle.

If you feel called to serve in a specific way, don't be afraid to pursue your dreams. Use your gifts and talents to bless others. Having such a clear understanding of why you are where you are and doing what you are doing is essential if you want to achieve your goals and make a lasting impact. If you're not sure what your calling is, or if you feel like you've lost sight of it, pray for guidance. Ask God to show you where He wants you to be and what He wants you to do. He will make His will clear to you, and He will give you the strength and wisdom you need to follow His plan. 

In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren writes, "It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?" As Christians in the marketplace, it is essential that we ask ourselves this question on a regular basis. Are we just going through the motions, or are we actively pursuing our calling and purpose? Are we using our gifts and talents to bless others, or are we only focused on earning an income or making a profit? 

Answering these questions honestly will help us to know where we should focus our energies and how we can best use our resources to achieve our goals. The bottom line is this: If you want to be successful as a Christian in the marketplace, you need to have a clear sense of your calling and purpose. Pray for guidance, and be willing to follow God's plan for your life. He will lead you down the path of success if you let Him.