Did you know that you have a unique job description? And, in putting it into practice it can be one of life's greatest delights.

So, what is your job description? Here it is: When you join a company you are typically given a job description that outlines the purpose and objectives of the position, and the tasks and skills required. All people have a unique God given job description and it consists of two parts.

First is a general job description that is relevant for all people. All people are called to accept Jesus Christ as savior, to live lives in relationship with God, to be active members of God’s family, and to be responsible members in the world. We are to tend the world around us (The original job description given to Adam), to redeem it and transform it, to make it a better place. We are to live under God’s lordship and to inaugurate his coming kingdom. The Bible forms the basis of how we should live. Unfortunately many people have not heard or responded to God’s good news, yet that doesn’t mean that they are exempt from their general job description.

Second, there is a distinctive part to the job description. It is one of a kind for each person. Part of your distinctive job description is made up of the unique capabilities and interests that God has given you, and another part consists of the tasks you take on in life. That first part has to do with your unique gifting and experience. For instance, some people have inquisitive scientific minds, some are creative, some are extroverts, and others are introverts. Some are excellent with words. Others are reflective. Some are good with their hands. This list of personal qualities goes on and on, and the combinations are infinite. The fact is, you have been given uniqueness and this becomes one part of your distinctive job description. The second part is made up of the work you do in life including paid work and all the other responsibilities you take on.

As an aside here, it is important to understand that no job (paid or unpaid) should be seen as better than another, as long as the job is of service. In other words, does the job redeem, transform and add something positive to the world, or does it degrade. The Reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther made this clear. Luther said that the job of the cleaning lady is just as noble in God’s eyes as that of the judge or the priest. Calvin reflected the same ideas. Ulrich Zwingli, a Christian Reformer from Switzerland said, “The worker is most like God.”

There is no hierarchy with God. Always keep this in mind knowing that your special life calling is important to God and he wants you to stand firm in this. In today’s world of almost unlimited choice you have the possibility to engage in many different kinds of activities, but it is best to chose those that best fit your unique temperament and capabilities.

This means that it helps to determine what you are good at, what you enjoy doing, and who you are as a person. If you need some clarity in understanding yourself, why not take a personality test like the Myers-Briggs or something similar. Then understand and accept that you are unique, that God has formed you with special qualities and capabilities that can specifically apply to the tasks you chose.

If you want to make the most from the rest of your life, a starting point would be to find life activities where your full job description can be expressed. When your general calling as a Christian, your unique gifting, and your life activities integrate, it can be a place of great fulfillment.

Concepts from Bring Your Vision to Life: The Guide to Turning “What if?” into Reality. Destinee S.A.. For more information go to