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Article: Calling In Life & Productivity

Calling In Life & Productivity

In the practice of my profession, I crossed paths with employees, who, with their work attitude, can cause my blood pressure to rise. These people are unproductive and complain almost everything under the sun.

But does it have connection to a person's "purpose in life"?

Work attitude and behavior are indicators whether a person is in sync with his calling or not.

Employees who are in sync with God's plan are passionate at work. Optimistic and highly motivated, his strength are easily revived even after going through a stressful situation. To him, work is fun.

WHAT IS A PURPOSE IN LIFE?

A "purpose in life" is also called "destiny" or "calling". These words are used interchangeably but mean the same thing-- God's plan for a person. Likewise, a calling is not a religious term used for people preparing for priesthood or pastoral work.

GOD'S PLAN IS TWO-FOLD

1. A call to be with God (character building)
2. A call to service (career/profession)

A CALL TO BE WITH GOD

The best person to mold our character is the Divine.

(1) We are created in "His image".
Of all creation, only human beings were molded in God's hand and received life from the breath of God

(2) We are created to be with "God"
The Garden of Eden is the regular "bonding" place of God and man until man deviated from the set rules and dumped God.

(3) God sent his Son, Jesus, to restore the broken relationship and change our inner self-- our character.

A CALL TO SERVICE

During conception, talents and skills are already given and "genetically encoded".

The skills and talent given to each one are meant to address a "need" or "problem". The exercise of these gifts builds people directly and indirectly. Wealth is also generated in the practice of these gifts.

Gifts are also meant to validate one's claim of calling. For example, a man can not claim that his purpose is to be a motivational speaker yet, during talks, his audience falls into slumber.

The gifts can be misused, that's why the first calling is important.


How do I know, my destiny?

Your calling is between you and your Creator. No one can determine that, not your parents or friends or even spouse. Most of the time, God creates a desire or gives an idea so the person has something to start with. The more a person submits to the leading, the more s/he gets direction and his destiny becomes clear.

God's plan is based on what he saw in your future. Because of this, your relationship with the Divine and the knowledge of His Word matters.

I have seen relatives and friends wasted 4-6 years of their youth completing a college degree not of their liking. It is true that they graduated. But either they ended in a different career or spend additional 2-3 years of studies to complete a discipline of their choice.

We allow other people to make choices for us. We please the people we love. But sometimes, we got lost along the way and at the end we are no longer sure of what we really want.

We live in a society that puts emphasis on branding. We classify products as high or low end. Though the components are one and the same, the "brand" determines the price and standing of the product. Society also brand people on several ways— from the school, social status, community, parents, color of skin and a person’s past.

"Branding" is what people want you to be. If given the chance, it will determine your future. This is the reason why some people hire professional image builders to protect their interests.

What people want can be in conflict with God's plan for you.

When God placed a desire in your heart, His basis is your future, not your past. So regardless of your bad past, The Divine can still give you a good future.

Your God given desires goes with fire and passion to keep you focused and motivated. This strengthens you in difficult times. It may look impossible from where you are right now, but God can take you there if you believe. When God calls, he enables. He builds your character and gives you skills complete your calling.

So between people and God, whose branding will you accept?

The one who placed your worth in the past? Or the one who placed your value on the future.

It's your call.

I know the plans I have for you, announces the Lord. I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan o harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIrV)

Severo E. Santos, also known as "Sonnie", is a Human Resource Generalist, Motivational & Self Help Speaker, Trainer, Volunteer Worker and e-group Moderator. Sonnie has authored several anecdotes on work issues and career development in the context of life principles. You can contact Sonnie by email at skopun@gmail.com

Copyright © sonnie’s.porch, 2006 All rights reserved.

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posted by ASKSonnie @ Wednesday, June 01, 2005