This message invites us into a profound exploration of what it means to live a truly integrated Christian life—one where our faith isn't compartmentalised into Sunday worship but permeates every aspect of our existence.
We're reminded that our calling encompasses three dimensions: relationship with God, transformation through His Spirit, and vocation—our purposeful doing in the world. The heart of this teaching rests on passages like Ephesians 2:10, which declares we are God's handiwork created for good works He prepared in advance, and Colossians 3:23, urging us to work at everything with all our heart as if working for the Lord.
What's revolutionary here is the recognition that vocation isn't limited to paid employment or church ministry—it's the entirety of how we steward our lives, whether we're raising children, building houses, caring for aging parents, or studying.
The challenge before us is to stop living like mandarins with segmented lives and instead become mangoes with one integrated core: a whole life surrendered to Christ. When we grasp that our Monday morning matters as much to God as our Sunday worship, we discover that every context becomes sacred ground for spiritual formation and kingdom impact.
Discussion questions:
1. How does viewing vocation as 'your part in God's redemptive story' rather than just a career or job change the way you approach your daily work and responsibilities?
2. What would it look like practically to 'work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord' (Colossians 3:23) in your current job, even if it's not your dream job or feels mundane?
3. The framework of God's priorities, the world's needs, and your desires and gifts was presented—which of these three areas do you need to explore more deeply to gain clarity on your vocation?
4. Who in your life could you invite into conversation to ask the vulnerable question, 'What do you see in me?' and help you discern your gifts and calling?
