QUARTERLIFE CRISIS

1 Chronicles 28:20-21
20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command."

Do you feel confused . . . somewhat adrift? You may be dealing with the effects of being a 20-something. (If you're in your teens or 30s or older, . . . well, . . . your confusion must be coming from other issues.)

Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your 20s, written by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner, addresses the fact that many people flounder after leaving college. The whole job thing becomes a "confusing, demoralizing quarterlife crisis."

Fortunately, there's hope. Robbins and Wilner cover three main points in their book:

* No career plan? Don't worry.
* Separate the meaning of a job from the perks.
* Scared and clueless about your career? You're normal.

This advice--from a couple of secular authors--sounds pretty good. One thing I don't see in Robbins' and Wilner's writing, however, is the importance of vocation.

Vocation originally meant "spiritual calling." My Random House Dictionary includes this definition, "a function to which one is called by God."

I like that. Sometimes we forget that all work can glorify God and is sacred in His sight. Not just church stuff--all jobs.

David seemed to understand this high view of work. As he handed off the temple-building project to his son Solomon, he said, "Do the work." Like Solomon, you have an assignment. God has work for you to do. Once you determine what it is, do it, "for the Lord . . . is with you" (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Also, as you work for Him, God will "not fail you" (v.21). Pursue your job responsibilities with full confidence in God's faithfulness and provision.

"Every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work," David told Solomon (v.21). What an awesome opportunity it was to help build the temple!

God has given you the ability to be skilled in your work. Leave confusion behind and simply do your best in your vocation. It's a sacred calling and a gift from God. --Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS

* How have I been viewing work?
* What is God's perspective on vocation?
* Why is it important to have a high view of work?

LINKS:
How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0708

Quarterlife Crisis
http://www.quarterlifecrisis.com/

bottom line: Work is sacred in God's sight.

soul journey