Resources for Managing our Vocations

Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

From the opening pages of the Bible, human beings are called to work and to be creative and resourceful with how we do our work. Work is central to what it means to be human.

Nonetheless, it seems that work life in the modern world has been in a state of constant disruption. Changing technologies and changing global realities are driving what feels like “constant career chaos”. Therefore, it is very tempting for us to throw up our arms and settle for mediocrity or a less-than-optimal attitude.

However, this is not a viable option for the follower of Jesus. St. Paul commands us:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

In a fallen world, work is always fraught with difficulties—in the words of Genesis, “thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:18). This is nothing new. However, the realities of the global world are taking this to a whole new level.

Fortunately, there are quite a few good resources out there from a Christian perspective, such as “Made to Flourish” and the “Global Faith and Work Initiative.” These resources not only help us think through work in the modern world, but also provide practical aid for work in times of crisis. I encourage you to go to our website and find the transcript for this episode for a full listing of these resources.

Work is one of the most basic ways we “worship” God. It is necessary, therefore, that we do it well.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

Work Related Resources:

Global Faith and Work Initiative: Numerous and diverse resources dealing with many aspects of our work and our personal life at work
https://www.globalfaithandwork.com

Made to Flourish: A ministry committed to helping pastors and their churches integrate faith, work and economic wisdom.
https://www.madetoflourish.org

Veritas Forum: Mostly focused on big picture questions from the vantage point of higher education
http://www.veritas.org

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’”

~ Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV)