Martin Luther challenged the medieval idea that only priests, monks, and nuns possessed a divine call. He said that just as people are made right with God by salvation in Jesus, they’re also called to serve Him in whatever jobs they do. In this way “the entire world [will] be full of service to God, not only the churches but also the home, the kitchen, the cellar, the workshop, and the field of townsfolk and farmers.”

So how can you know what Jesus has called you to do? Begin with the relationships in your church and home. These primary callings are too valuable to receive a paycheck. It would be wrong for my pastor to give me a kickback for bringing visitors to church. And I wouldn’t accept it if my wife tried to pay me for being a good husband. We need to remember this if we lose our jobs. We may be unemployed, but our most important callings do not change.

Next, look at your circumstances. Where are you in life? What neighborhood do you live in? What school or community do you belong to? Jesus has placed you there for a purpose—to serve Him by serving others. As God told His people living in Babylon, “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Finally, consider your career. Your present work may not be your dream job, but if it’s honorable and meets your needs as well as the needs of those you’re responsible for, then it’s your divine calling as long as you remain there. Do it with all your heart, as if you were serving Jesus Himself (Colossians 3:23-24). And thank Him for His provision of your work!

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 13:24-43