Finding God at Work 3: You Have a Calling (Dr. Karen Swallow Prior)
6 snips
Nov 20, 2025 
Dr. Karen Swallow Prior, a scholar and author focused on literature and faith, dives deep into her new book, discussing the pitfalls of the 'follow your passion' mantra. She redefines passion as a willingness to endure challenges and emphasizes the dignity of ordinary work in honoring God. Karen highlights the importance of seeking truth, goodness, and beauty in every vocation, irrespective of profession or pay. Her insights on how mundane tasks can illuminate lives remind us that all work can fulfill a greater calling.
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Don’t Center Career Choices On Passion
- Avoid the cultural mantra “follow your passion” as primary career advice because it overlooks need and sustainability.
- Pursue competence first, since passion often follows skill and confidence, as Karen Swallow Prior explains.
Passion Means Willingness To Suffer
- Passion etymologically means suffering, implying commitment and cost in pursuing a calling.
- Karen Swallow Prior warns that real passion requires willingness to suffer and count the cost, not just desire.
Honor God In Ordinary Work
- Resist the message that only dramatic, visible work honors God; ordinary faithful work is valuable.
- Live your daily roles well and faithfully, since ordinary work can glorify God and provide purpose.
