Now that we've considered certain responsibilities and benefits related to a life of business, we need to look at the matter of choosing a business. To some, this may seem so important as to impact not only this life but their next as well. And, speaking of choices, when we’re young, our guardians or parents help make them. This doesn’t mean that parents should ignore the natural gifts and interests of the child, however. There are several things that need to be considered when choosing an appropriate calling.

Both the child and the guardians or parents must agree to choose a calling that is lawful before God. To commit a sinful act is bad enough. But to make a habit of it, by spending our lives in disobedience to God through their employment, is something that anyone with even a modicum of virtue remaining in them should abhor. Otherwise, they face the continual curse of God. When the prospect of material gain clouds the eyes of men and causes them to blindly follow a particular path, we often find that God’s blessing is not upon them. We find their hopes and aims obstructed, and their vain attempts for wealth thwarted. This shouldn’t surprise us. After all, God doesn't forget nor relinquish the right to punish behavior He disapproves of in this world. It is clear, although regrettable, that men today take great liberties with their consciences, and don’t take their faith seriously, as if those things were limited to a few outward acts of piety, without having anything to do with their regular conduct…

The choice of employment or calling must be suitable or fitting to the individual. The lives of people have been ruined and the public harmed when people choose their employment rashly or neglect important matters related to it. People become uneasy and discontented when they are employed with work that is beneath their abilities and talents. On the other hand, those who are employed with work beyond their abilities, after weak or unsuccessful effort, become discouraged. And, in this latter case, if they are placed in certain high-level positions, their weaknesses can become more obvious, and bring them to shame and rebuke.

One needs to consider both one’s physical and mental abilities. Those with relatively little ability at remembering, decision-making, or self-control should obviously not be directed toward professions requiring ingenuity. Although some with limited abilities in these areas have been successful at such work, this doesn’t justify our advising them to make that their choice. While the Almighty God may do what He will, we must do that which is consistent with our design, including the gender and gifts given us by our Creator. Thus, a calling that requires much ingenuity should be filled by a man with much ingenuity…

To help make the best choice regarding one’s calling consider the following:

1. Give it the attention it deserves. It’s wrong to focus on such an important matter without giving it serious thought and reason. Yet, too often, it appears to be the frivolous things that guide people who are making this important decision. People often rush the issue of their employment, anticipating a life of ease or honor, pleasure or gain, only to discover that their expectations were unreasonable or excessive. Disappointed with their choice, they become restless and weary…
2. Consult with faithful, discerning people, especially those with the same calling. They’re the best judges of their profession, since they know a great deal about its advantages and disadvantages, and the necessary qualifications. Therefore, give much weight to their advice, given their sound and faithful judgment. If you’re advising someone else, convince them to ask the advice of those with experience and honesty, and to use that advice when making decisions. Then, should they not be successful, they may be comforted by the fact that at least their problems were not the result of being rash. Later on, they’ll be more likely to find others willing to help them, knowing they are not the type of man who makes hasty decisions.
3. Choose a calling that is not harmful to the soul. There are certain callings that are in themselves lawful and sufficiently profitable but, in the manner they exist today, would never be considered by anyone who cares for the immortal souls of them or their children. This is so because the temptations that come with certain occupations are so great that it is next to impossible to not be affected by the vice and immorality associated with them…
4. Let God’s providence be acknowledged by sincerely seeking His direction and assistance. God determines the limits and places in which we live, that by a sense of our dependence upon Him we might be motivated to seek after Him. To acknowledge God in all our ways is part of the reverence which intelligent and dependent creatures owe to the supreme Creator and Governor of all. This provides us with hope that He will direct our paths. But if we neglect this, we’ll have no right to expect the guidance and blessing of heaven…
5. Consistent with what has been discussed, one’s personal preferences should also be considered. For example, when someone is very much interested in a particular calling, this may indicate a direction of providence and, thus, help us move toward making a proper choice. People generally are best at, and most easily bear the inconveniences associated with, those employments and situations to which they are naturally inclined.

(excerpts from a newly released book entitled The Religious Tradesman, revised and edited by Randall Caldwell, © 2005 Vision Harvest Inc., and originally written by Richard Steele and published in the 1700’s)