oh boy, Gods a workin’
well i am reading this book you see and a question came to mind that i thought might be a good one for my peeps in the blog world. so check this out…is it possible that a man cannot find “Gods calling” for his life in the way of a career b/c God never intended “work” to be ones calling?
holla if you have ears to hear 
be encouraged…
Posted by
at
03:25:47
for me, work provides means so that i get to do what i feel called to do…granted, there are plenty of people who need Jesus at work, and it’s my responsibility to live like Jesus there because it’s my mission field…but i’m really thankful that work pays the bills so i have the chance to get to do what i feel called to do on nights and weekends. which, btw, is a lot of things. i feel called to be a good wife, a good mom, a good daughter, a good servant at the vine, a good mentor to teenagers, a cross-cultural missionary to my students, a good neighbor, a good friend…
maybe first we need to define calling. i’d argue it’s larger than one job, task, or responsibility.
but, i wouldn’t go as far to say “man cannot find God’s calling” at work…because some people’s careers are definitely callings. it’s different for everybody.
Great question. I think God’s calling for all of us is the Great Commission…to go out and make disciples, baptize, and teach. That, along with our personal relationship with Christ should be first in our lives. I also believe that God has given all of us spiritual gifts and individual talents to use. I think it is okay to have a career, as long as it doesn’t consume you and become an idol over God. What better way to share your faith than with those you work with and come in contact with everyday?
If you look at Genesis when God created Adam and Eve it says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 3:15 Also, in Acts 18:1-6 it talks of Paul working (tent-making) with Aquila and Priscilla and preaching in the Synagogue every Sabbath.
I understand where you are coming from with the question. I’ve thought the same thing before. Am I doing enough for Jesus even though I’m not on the Mission Field on some foreign soil saving people left and right? But I think that where ever we are is our Mission Field and that can include our job or career.
‘Enjoying your blog, Keith! Keep it up. And great job on the flooring too! Your wife and child
are so very blessed to have you. Know that your efforts are worthwhile and don’t ever lose heart.
Hey, I may not be “well versed” enough to merit attention, but that’s never stopped me from giving
an opinion before. So, on your question:
—————————————
is it possible that a man cannot find “Gods calling” for his life in the way of a career b/c God
never intended “work” to be ones calling?
—————————————
Here are my thoughts at present -
First, I liked kiki’s response a great deal.
What scriptural basis do we have for the idea of a “calling” in terms of God’s silent desire for
a person to pursue a particular role in the world? To my recollection, those in the bible who were
called to a particular purpose - were actually and unmistakably called - Samuel anointed Saul for
instance. Jesus personally chose each of the disciples. Paul was called in one of the most
dramatic ways. Many Christians today speak of finding their calling as if they think we are to
pursue a sort of animistic “vision quest” and until an audible, thunderous voice from above or an
interpreted sign of nature, etc. specifically blesses an undertaking, then it must not really be
God’s calling. I believe in boldness in truth, so I’ll say … rubbish.
I don’t mean to say that God does
not still make specific callings on lives (nor that they couldn’t even be as dramatic as Paul’s),
but I believe that such callings are usually a matter of simply finding the Godly response
to an earthly situation. An evangelist recognizes the fact that millions live in fear and
pathetic hopelessness without Jesus, and he responds by following the great commission. A nun
recogizes the physical suffering of the oppressed in India and responds by personally giving comfort,
aid, and the Word of God to thousands. A young adult recognizes the potential and blessing that
a teacher can bestow on students and commits their life to giving schoolchildren a strong start in
life.
I believe God’s purpose for most of our lives is far simpler (but perhaps not any easier) than we
often think. That is, we are called to obey, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and serving our
earthly masters and authorities as if they were the Lord. To assume that some spoken “calling” is
needed could be a way of trying to avoid our very real callings (commands from God) in whatever
career or role we presently hold. I firmly believe that the truly obedient Christian will be a light
to the world regardless of how they earn their living. Think of those Christian elders who have
had the greatest impact on your faith. Were they all ministers of the Word by vocation? Weren’t
some of them teachers, house painters, insurance salesmen, clerks, and mechanics? If they had been
musicians, doctors, garbage men, or grocers instead, would they have been following God’s will any
less?
Well, I fear I’ve run on so long as to frustrate, so I’ll end here. Romans 12 helps me in this
area, maybe you’ll find it helpful as well. Joyfully exercise whatever spiritual gifts you have no
matter how you earn your keep - and do it so as to support the rest of Christ’s body and thus
give glory to God.
Your friend (“boy” or not - hmmmmmm),
Rob
Revival comes when the church obeys God.
how can you make so nice blog !
you rock my world!!!
You are smart,only smart person can do such a smart job.