Comments on “More on work”

More on work

2008-04-29T00:54:29+01:00

I thought I’d comment on this one following on from the last one on the same topic…

I don’t think it is fair to talk about a “high” calling, or “creation and new creation” work… Witness and utilisation of spiritual gifts is part of life, it’s not something you are called to. How you witness and utilise your gifts is something that may be seen as a calling. God provides method and opportunity for you to make use of them.

I think there is intrinsic spiritual value in “creation work.” If you are an artist your creation reflects the very fact that you are made in God’s image, just as he enjoys his own creation, so he will enjoy his creation’s creation. It’s getting into the whole chariots of fire thing… kinda!

There is a great series that says what I want to say but much more eloquently (and enjoyably!) by Rick McKinley (of Imago Dei Community fame) on “Rugged Spirituality”… It’s a series following David, but it really makes a good job, when you sit and look at, of showing how God worked, but how David pretty much just lived seeking Him… Y’know? I think the first of the series really sums up what I’m trying to say.

Ultimately I think if you are thinking this seriously about calling, then there is probably an abnormal calling for you (ie into full time ministry or something) as opposed to the more difficult to avoid calling of secular work…

More on work

2008-04-29T12:46:40+01:00

Aha! a link would be nice right? http://www.imagodeicommunity.com/information/sermons/

More on work

2008-04-29T15:35:36+01:00

I might have to have a listen to that first talk, but it seems like I basically agree with what you’re saying – the distinction between “creation” and “new creation” work isn’t always an important or necessary one, and isn’t the defining name for any one person’s calling – I guess we’re all called to both, just in different proportions.

So it becomes an issue of (I suppose) how to tell if you’re called to set-apart ministry.

Maybe one thing I can think more on (in the area of “calling”) is: does having gifts of leadership/teaching in itself constitute a call? That combined with pastoral wisdom and suggestion? Or, what I feel might be the issue, is there such thing as a “call” to set-apart ministry? Doesn’t the NT talk about “call” being to salvation and adoption, not to a career? Probably – need to read more.

As for your last paragraph: Well, maybe, but I think my assumption has always been becoming a pastor of some description – so for me, it seems it might be the opposite! If that makes sense.