Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Assignment Coversheet

Student Name: Avinesh Kumar

Student Number: Click here to enter text.

Programme: Master of Professional Practice

Course Code: MPP841

Course Name: Being Christian Being Professional

Assignment Number: 1

Word Count: 3000

Course Educator: Dr. Marion Sanders

Due Date: 31 March 2021

Extension Granted Until*: Click here to enter text.

Date of Submission: 28 March 2021

I, Avinesh Kumar
 CERTIFY that this assignment is my own work, and that I
have not previously submitted it for academic credit.

Date: 31/03/2021

1
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

Three words are synonymous and used interchangeably within the Christian faith. Vocation,
Calling, and Work. The role of vocation, calling, and work has historical meanings. It has
been conceptualized in a multitude of ways, ranging from the curse of ancient Greece to the
act of self-realization and self-denial (Freud and Hardy, 1990).This essay is delving deeper
into understanding the context and stating the meaning of work, vocation, and calling from
multiple perspectives alongside personal, professional viewpoints through self-reflection.
Furthermore, it will highlight the link between vocation, work, and calling to the concept of
Imago Dei (Anderson, 2014) alongside shedding light on the perspective of work in the
Kingdom of God and the interpretation of humans living in 'Mini Kingdoms' that
encapsulates within the Kingdom of God.

Historically, occupations have been viewed as calling or vocation, which backdates to at

least the sixteenth century (Dik & Duffy, 2009). Generally, vocation and calling have
overlapping meanings (Smith, 2011). They are referred to as a sense of purpose and
direction leading an individual to engage in a fulfilling and socially significant work role.
There have been multiple calls for re-establishing calling and vocation as pathways for
meaningful work and other life roles (Dik & Duffy, 2009). Bausmeister (1991) has further
added that calling and vocation add cultural considerations in career decision-making, which
leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and psychological success (Hall & Chandler, 2005).
Bellah et al. (1986) further add that the re-establishment shifts vocation from the self-
interested activity and economic gain towards values and meaningful purpose.

Vocation is a term that originates from the Latin term “vocare,” meaning to follow the voice
of God (Horst, 2002). Religious groups have attached a different meaning to the word
vocation. Catholics have related this to religious service and living a monastic life, whereas
the Protestants have linked vocation to work that earns one a living (Horst, 2002). However,
with the recent emergence of re-establishing the term vocation to its original meaning,
Buechner (1993) has added vocation to connect God-given gifts and passion to God's activity
in the world. The notion of God's activity is further supported by Witherington (2011) that
vocation focuses on the uniqueness, talents, and personality of each individual, which is
identified as the gifts from God who has equipped each individual uniquely to complete the
calling God has in mind for the person's life. Furthermore, vocation discards conformity and
celebrates each individual's unique value at the same time setting these individuals into a
community whereby self-centeredness and self-privatization of secular individualism are
avoided within the Kingdom of God (Witherington, 2011).

Vocation comes with a deeper meaning which is simply beyond the notion of where one
works, what one does, and what the remuneration is. It is focused on the ‘call’ from God to
someone for some purpose and living faithfully in all aspects of life (Webster, n.d.). Thus, an
overall understanding of vocation is the way individuals are and what they do in response to
God's call, which is further expressed in relationships, community, and the Kingdom of God.
This is further enhanced by the utilization of God-given talents in daily working lives. God's
calling is actioned through chosen daily work, occupation, and profession, whereby giving,

2
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

and serving are emphasized over receiving or expecting returns. The theory of work adds
that in any occupation or profession, the 'work’ aspect of life is to pay due diligence to God,
therefore, being professional in one's approach to serve the calling bestowed upon an
individual with integrity. Serving men and women, made in the Image of God (Anderson,
2014), are serving God, and therefore doing it wilfully and professionally.

To serve God wilfully and professionally in its entirety, the understanding of one's vocation
as one calling is paramount. As stated earlier, calling and vocation have overlapping
meanings or go hand in hand. According to Muynck et al. (2017), calling emphasizes the
inner voice to take up an occupation or unique task. Veith (2007) states that calling connects
to vocation and supports Vos' (2017) theory of vocation as a calling to serve God in daily
living. Typically, calling and vocation refer to seeking a sense of purpose and direction
whereby an individual is led to some personal fulfillment and social significance that relate
to the work role regarding God, passion, or giftedness (Dik & Duffy, 2009).

Furthermore, as cited in Muynck et al. (2017), Newman mentions that something is guiding
him beyond his understanding and influence, which is expressed as a vocation. Therefore,
affirming the claims of calling and vocation being intertwined. The above research leads to a
personal reflection and understanding that calling is a vocation.

Furthermore, Smith (2011) states that there are three expressions of calling. Firstly, the
general call which is the invitation to follow Jesus and be Christians. Secondly, the specific
call connects to the vocation unique to an individual and their importance in the world,
which connects them to a specific job alongside a third calling that embodies immediate
responsibilities that God calls us to today. These callings when the thought of concerning
work, the meaning of vocation articulated from the workers perspective and the perspective
of work (Smith, 2011). It further adds claims that one can read vocation as an expression of
professional demands and the other as the development of one's gifts and uniqueness
(Smith, 2011). Further affirming that vocation and calling are interrelated. Although vocation
can often generalize as a profession, calling emphasizes the inner voice that appeals to take
a job or embrace a particular task (Muynck et al., 2017). This further affirms my calling and
vocation's personal and intrinsic motivation to become a teacher and bestow knowledge,
honesty, hard work, and God's word amongst students. This equips students with the
knowledge and the understanding that every turn taken in life is a supposedly guide from
God to one's vocation and calling to serve others in work.

The Bible states that God does call people to work, which further strengthens claims that
God wants people to work and provides people with all the resources and guidance to
succeed in work. Calling is usually associated with God's way of bringing people closer to
him and acting on behalf or participate in his work in the world. Romans 1:6 and Romans
8:28 state, including yourself, called to belong to Jesus, and all things work together for
good for those who love God and called according to this purpose. Timothy 2:4 adds God
desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. God's guidance to

3
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

jobs, occupations, or tasks is seldom mentioned in the scriptures; however, the above do
have some correspondence to which vocational calling can be attached. Therefore, affirming
God does have a plan to lead an individual to an occupation that has is best designed or
called them.

Further exploring the concept of work and its relationship with vocation and calling whereby
it is now quite evident that calling and vocation are intertwined, and without one, the other
cannot exist. As work is also related to calling and vocation, it is essential to note that work
matters to God now and eternally. According to Theology of Work (n.d.) God created men
and women in his image to work and tend this created order in the Kingdom for His glory
and humankind's betterment. God also provides humans with unique skills, gifts, and talents
and calls each to a particular role. Although roles may differ and have status in importance,
callings are equal and are spiritual. Everyone is worthy of a calling that eventuates to work
and work done for Him. This firmly concludes that work, calling, and vocation are
interrelated, intertwined, and overlap each other to form service in the Kingdom of God
(Platinga, 2002).

Keller (2007) also states that God gives resources, skills, ability, and capability to an
individual to do His work on Earth for him and with him for the human community and the
Kingdom of God. Supporting the above statement, Platinga (2002) and Sherman (2011)
affirm that God directs his disciples to their vocation or intended occupation as work. The
statements reflect personally to a point where the personal ambition of becoming an
architect was firmly intended. However, as stated above, God has his plans in place for
every individual to utilize their unique skills and talent (Smith, 2011). The application to get
into the architecture degree was delayed by the Global Financial Crisis. The world faced
recession and had infrastructure development come to a halt; therefore, spaces in
engineering and architecture firms were limited and scarce. As supported by Keller (2007),
God has a plan for every individual to maximize the gifts given to him and generate and
evolve a vocational sweet spot. As the delay seemed never-ending, the advice from parents
was to apply for a teaching degree. At first, feeling hesitant; however, an application for a
teaching degree was made. Within a week, the application was accepted, and an interview
was successful in joining the teaching college. Ever since remaining in teaching has been a
personal vocation and work.

The notion of work is to serve others, and that work is in the Kingdom of God as service
(Keller, 2007). Sherman (2011) further adds that work is a gift from God and that he has
bestowed on us to work and serve as he has created humans in his image; therefore, any
service or work unto others is unto Him. In addition to Sherman (2011), Veith (2007) states
that all Christians offer their lives as a living sacrifice in serving God. Bonhoeffer (1995)
stated, "When Christ calls a man, he bids come and die." Calling aligns well with the doctrine
of a vocational sweet spot. Being a teacher and imparting knowledge on students who have
a growing mind and shape the future or save one or promote one has sweeter joy than
being in a vocation no joy.

4
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

In all of the above-stated means of work, God is at work; therefore, work done by humans is
in the directives of God and carries dignity and purpose (Sherman, 2011). Being Christian
and Being Professional certainly resonates through the above notion. Sherman (2011) adds
that leaders should teach and preach on becoming certain types of workers: honest and
ethical, caring and faithful workers, salt, and lightworkers. Of all the work that resonates
personally is revelatory work whereby the Gospel is to enlighten with truth as one of the
occupations that relate to this teacher's work. To impart knowledge, prepare and shape
young minds to suit and shape the future, follow the Gospel of God, and serve Him with
dignity and integrity. Teachers are in the frontline who have immediate powers to either
create or destroy the future generation.

Therefore, upon reflection and showing gratitude to the personal profession, it is a great
honor to carry God's trust in ensuring the future will be shaped and suited for all humans'
needs. This is an important role in shaping and maintaining the Kingdom of God. Platinga
(2002) states that the Kingdom of God encompasses a multitude of Kingdoms and none are
in isolation. To further put this into perspective, each Kingdom has a Kingdom within it; for
example, middle managers would have a kingdom in the upper managers' Kingdom and
Upper Managers to the CEOs and so forth. It is imperative as educators to ensure that
students are well nurtured, guided, and shepherded in the correct direction to live and
enhance the Kingdoms they would belong to.

However, vocation or calling concepts are slowly fading away in its traditional theological
terms whereby Vos (2017) had stated that its true meaning today is vastly different from
what it was meant to be as the citizens of God's Kingdom. Today, the term is more relatable
to the neoliberal gains, capitalism, and power struggle to be superior to another (Muynck et
al., 2017). The age of performance affects students' ability to be prepared for the future and
adulthood (Rooney, 2009). Habermas (2008) suggests that now the society is either
characterized by knowledge globalization with neoliberal governments taking control to
ensure the education systems remain competitive through academic achievement
(Stronach, 2010). Furthermore, where the ownership of knowledge is controlled for
economic and political gain, the vocation and calling aspect of one's uniqueness gets
restricted to the control of another superior and moves against the Gospel of serving others
for the love of God.

On the other hand, Veith (2007) focuses on the idea that vocation and work are not only
what one does for pay at the workplace. One's vocation and work can be to care for the
elderly at home, tutor students after school, work at the blood center, or any work in the
particular case that requires or has economic benefit. In essence, every job is done to the
moral purpose, and done well is serving God (Veith, 2007). Work is in the midst of paradise,
as witnessed in Genesis 1 and 2, right in the picture of God and His intentions (Sherman,
2011). Sherman further states that work is a gift from God and that humans are created to
complete God's good work. As Anderson (2014) earlier stated that humans are created in

5
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

the image of God, and God is a worker (Sherman, 2011). Furthermore, work has intrinsic
motivation and value as it carries values that reflect God.

Sherman (2011) further adds that God's labor that would resonate to current Earthly
Vocation includes the following: Redemptive work where God's saving and reconciling
actions; Creative work where God's fashioning of the human and physical world;
Providential work which encompasses God's provision of sustaining human life; Justice work
where God's maintenance of justice is maintained; Compassionate work in which God's is
involved in comforting, healing, guiding and shepherding and finally Revelatory work, in
which God's work is to enlighten with the truth. Keller (2007) further states that vocation is
a part of God's work globally, and God is the provider of all resources that enable human
survival and service. God's work is to guide and empower humans for life and work in which
the people of Earth do God's work.

This is where the importance of being Christian and Being Professional resonates well
personally on reflection. It becomes superiorly essential to prepare students to stand firm in
their beliefs, their uniqueness and to develop their gift from God to serve in the Kingdom of
God for Shalom and not for selfish gains. According to Dr. Ravitzky (2002), Shalom in the
Bible refers to Well-being, tranquillity, peace, prosperity, and safety, which goes hand-in-
hand with students developing spiritual maturity ((Muynck et al. 2017). For students to get
the maturity required within themselves, teachers must guide students on the correct path.
Being honest, loving, being grateful, and helping one another, understanding that everyone
is different in their abilities as God has created all in His image, however different that may
be. The guidance to understand that each child has a purpose in life and fulfills the purpose
will be heard through their calling in life. This shall become their vocation and work.

Upon reflection, as stated within Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old, he shall not depart from it. This has since been the case that even after
being in the profession for several years, there has never been an instance where teaching
was not the intended vocation. Therefore, personally believing that “my vocation is my
calling, and my vocation is my work.” Besides, post completion of teaching degree, I took
upon completing an Accounting post-graduate degree to move away from teaching. Even
upon successful completion, the urgency, or the need to an extent where there had never
been the burning desire to join an accounting firm as a personal vocation. Being a teacher is
undoubtedly my vocation sweet spot. Perhaps as stated in Philippians 4:6, God called upon
me to pursue and remain in teaching.

To put a vocational sweet spot in a context upon personal reflection, teaching and imparting
knowledge upon students who show up to school with the desire to learn and eagerness to
be taught has been rewarding and a joy to observe. As Rooney (2016) states that the
process of God's imparted knowledge on the educator is shared upon learners, and as the
value and attitude are expressed through actions and practice; it forms a cycle whereby
reflection and creativity which being an agent-subjects in place and time (Groome, 1998).

6
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

This meaning when seeing students succeed in the quest to achieve higher grades, levels,
and achievement awards through multiple avenues. Education, sports, and leadership send
through a deep satisfaction of achievement accomplished or intrinsic satisfaction without
extra rewards as student success is rewarding enough.

Anderson (1982) and Cameron (2005) concur that the development of being to grow
towards full potential is to Glorify and serve others in God's image. To apply scholarly and
academia to God's Gospel's scriptures, Maslow's (1943) theory of motivation also resonates
with the motivation of calling and vocation. Herzberg et al. (1959) and Stahl (1986) state
worker motivation can be usefully applied to teachers, students, and school leaders as
knowledge workers in the same context, all that seek complementary outcomes (Rooney,
2016).

As teaching experience furthered, there have been ways where personal learning and
development have been evident. Learning how to utilize personal skills to help enhance
students and their learning in a multitude of ways. They are establishing positive
relationships, treating students with respect, and treating God, serving them with
knowledge as done to serve God, and doing it with integrity and honesty. As Wolterstorff
(2002) states, find an occupation in the Kingdom and shape it to suit the people's needs.
Furthermore, the sweet spot that is struck when students come and say that the reason for
their successful year has been their teacher is beyond explanation and can only be felt from
within.

All has not been smooth sailing if personal reflection is dug deeper, being diagnosed with a
kidney condition in the first year of teachers' college. It felt that success may not have been
a given in life and that obstacles are there to be averted. However, with the extent of the
condition being severe and not attending classes and showing competence, the feeling of
defeat almost sat in. However, as stated above, God creates humans in his image; this
highlighted that God only gives challenges to those who can accept and overcome them, not
to punish but to make them stronger. Furthermore, as the scriptures state, God commands
all people to work to the degree that they can. This provided motivation not only to do what
was intended however seek his strength in glory to overcome hurdles along the way. This is
a response to Christ's call to follow him (Sherman, 2011) and supported by Romans 8:28
that all things work well together for those who love God. As years progressed and the
belief of calling and vocation grew, my vocation improved health and personal satisfaction.

Keller (2007) supports this further by stating that life is not a series of random events and
that all things work together to better human beings' betterment. May it be background,
education, or life experience- good or bad, all equip one to do work that no one else can do.
I would also like to take a script from the Ramayan, the Hindu equivalent to the Bible, that
'God has equipped humans to face happiness, sadness, hardship, and rewards as has God
when exiled for fourteen years living the life of a sage." The reason to add this script and
support the above notion is firstly, to pay homage to my mother’s background and belief

7
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

and secondly to provide a similar comparison that no matter what background or belief,
God has set similar challenges and rewards.

Further supported by one of the famous or popular scriptures of Ramayan, which goes hand
in hand with the Bible scripture of work and service to God. Whereby the statement reads-
“If I have to do whatever action that is dearer to my reverend father, that action is just, and
done in respect in renouncing life.” Furthermore, upon conversation with my parents and
understanding, they pointed out that God has multiple avenues of representing himself.
Jesus represented himself as a human being on land. So did Lord Rama in the Hindu
scriptures, therefore, suggesting that the notion of their being was to provide humans with
guidance and a pathway to serve in His glory and Kingdom.

I now believe and agree that discipleship, no matter in which way or form, is about learning
the acts of God and shaping the world in his image, is the improvisation that bears the
stamp of what has been and what is to be and where we are heading towards (Wells, 2002).
As I continue to embark on this journey as a teacher and leader of the current organization
serving students in the image of God with respects, politeness, humanity, integrity, and
honesty (Eason, 2020) to highlight how being Christian and Being Professional resonates
within my profession and being human.

As the personal belief of calling, vocation and work continue to rise and convince that these
are related and cannot function in isolation, however taking into consideration Luther's
theology of God being at work and hidden in life in human vocations is intriguing. To which
he states that the Augustinian idea highlights that God presides on all causes actively or
passively and allows them to happen (Witherington, 2011). This is also an aspect of Luther's
theology where vocation is portrayed in everything being done as work. An example that
Witherington highlights in research shedding light on Luther's perspective are that is
"pimping a vocation through which God works for good and pimps as agents of God?" If the
answer is a no, it clarifies that specific vocations, tasks, and callings are not of God, and He
has and wants nothing to do with it and not cooperating within. It is further supported
within the Romans 8:28 verse where it is stated that work is all things together for good and
for those who love God and called according to his purpose. Where Witherington (2011)
clarifies that God does not destine anyone to be wicked, some to be pimps or murders;
however, it is a choice one makes. Finally, Witherington (2011) also adds that Vocations
differ, but God's calling is to all those converted.

In conclusion, God has created humans in his image to do work that serves the needy, shape
the world to suit the people of Earth, and his Kingdom as service to Him as God would do
himself—serving people in vocation being called to, working with humility, honesty,
integrity, and dignity. With calling that leads to vocation, the intrinsic inner satisfaction is
the sweet spot in personal vocation. It is clear and evident that there is a direct correlation
between calling, vocation, and work, whereby one thing is clear. Once individuals find their
calling, it is unlikely that the individual finds this boring and onerous (Witherington, 2011). It

8
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

can also be concluded that vocation may be represented in many ways; however, as stated
in Proverbs 16:9 that it is the human mind that plans the way, but Lord establishes the steps
—countering Luther's argument's philosophy.

In the end, where once an argument would have been established on personal viewpoint as
the writer that calling leads to Vocation and Vocation leads to work, however not work is
vocation has thoroughly been covered and reshaped through this research where vocation
is work. However, the chosen work and pathway is the doing and choice of an individual.
Therefore, the understanding established from this research is that Being Christian and
Being Professional goes beyond vocation and work in the workplace. However, it extends to
service to humanity, being polite, respectful, cordial, and friendly (Eason, 2020) as each
individual is created in the image of God (Anderson, 2014).

9
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

References

Anderson, H. (2014). Made for More: An invitation to live in God’s Image. (pp. 29-41).
Moody.

Baumister, R.F. (1991). Meanings of life. New York: Guilford.

Bellah, R. N. et.al. (1986). Habits of the heart: Individualism and commitment in American
life. New York: Harper & Row.

Bonhoeffer, D. (1995). The Cost of Discipleship (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995), 89. I
owe the juxtaposition of Buenchner and Bonhoeffer quotes to L. Gregory Jones.

Buenchner, F. (1993) Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC, rev. and expanded (San Fransico:
Harper San Francisco, 1993, 119.

Cameron, C. (2005). An Introduction to Theological Anthropology. Evangel 23(2), 53-61.

Dik, B. J. & Duffy, R. D. (2009). The Counseling Psychologist. Calling and Vocation at Work:
Definitions and prospects for research and practice. Retrieved from: (PDF) Calling and
Vocation at Work (researchgate.net).

Eason, K. (2020). Gospel-centred professionalism standards for Christian business programs.

Retrieved from: https://cbfa-cbar.org/index.php/cbar/article/view/540

Groome, T. H. (1998). Sharing Faith The way of Shared Praxis. A comprehensive Approach
to Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stick Publishers

Hall, D. & Chandler, D. (2005). Psychological Success: when the career is a calling. Journal of
Organizational Behaviour, 26, 155-176.

Hardy, L. (1990). The fabric of this world: Inquiries into calling, career choice, and the design
of human work. Grand Rapids Erdmans.

Herbamas, J. (2008). Notes on Post-Secular Society. New Perspectives Quarterly, 25(4), 17-
29.

Herzberg, F. et.al. (1959). The Motivation to Work. New York. John Wiley.

Horst, B. (2002). Job, career, vocation: The difference is in the calling. Retrieved from:
https://www.goshen.edu/news/bulletin/02march/job_career.php

10
Avinesh Kumar Being Christian, Being Professional

Keller, T. (2007). Every Good Endeavor: Connecting your Work to God’s Work. Penguin
Books Publishers; Reprint edition.

Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review., 50, 370-396.

Mills, A. (n.d.) Theology of Work. 10 Key points about work in the Bible every Christian
should know. Retrieved from: https://www.theologyofwork.org/resources/what-does-the-
bible-say-about-work

Plantinga, Jr., C. (2002). Engaging God’s World: A Christian vision of faith, learning and
living. (pp. 101-133). William B Erdmans.

Ravitzky, A. (2002). Shalom: Peace in Hebrew. Along with truth and justice, peace is among
the most hallowed Jewish values. Retrieved from:
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shalom/

Rooney, P. (2009). Educational and Biblical Perspectives for Academic Achievement in

Christian Schools. Journal of Christian Education.

Sherman, A. (2011). Vocational stewardship for the common good. Kingdom calling. (pp.
101- 105). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity.

Smith, G. T. (2011). Courage and Calling: Embracing your God-given potential. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity.

Stahl. (1986). Managerial and Technical motivation. Assessing needs for achievement,
power and affiliation. New York: Praeger Publishers.

Stronach, I. (2010). Globalization education, educating the local: how method made us mad.
London: Routledge.

Webster, M. R. (n.d.). Considering your call and vocation. (pp.92-101). Retrieved from:
https://www.lpts.edu/assets/documents/prospective-students/considering-call-
vocation1.pdf

Wells, S. (2018). The Drama of Christian Ethics. Revised Edition 2018.

Witherington, B. (2011). Work. A kingdom perspective on labor (pp. 23-52). William B

Erdmans.

Veith, G. et.al. (2007). Cooperating with God in Our Work: A conversation with Gene Veith
and Ben Witherington. Part 2. Retrieved from:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin- wax/cooperating-with-god-in-
our-work-the-Witherington Veith-discussion-part-2/ 

Vos, P. (2017). The Relative Good of Work. Reconsidering vocation eschatologically.

Christian Higher Education, 16(1), 11-122.

11