That Saved A Realist Like Me

{By Hailey Sadler}

The whole “is-the-glass-half-empty-or-half-full” dilemma sort of confused me as a child. When posed with it, I would always answer “half full” because that seemed to be the right answer. Anyway it seemed like the better, happier option compared to being labeled a pessimist, which always conjured up images of wet blankets and bitter old men. Secretly, though, my water-in-the-cup philosophy is more along the lines of, Ok, we’ve established that there is water in a cup, now can we please move on??

I guess I could be considered somewhat of a realist.

An interesting term, “realist” usually just means a cynic or pessimist who enjoys patting themselves on the back for the pleasing ability to accurately perceive objective reality. Poor, deluded optimists and idealists, they sniff. Yes, realists can be really obnoxious [see picture to the right!]. But that is not the point. The point is they are right. Reality is depressing, and if you view the world from a realist perspective you quickly become closely akin to the cynic and the pessimist for that very reason. Because what is reality? Reality is truth.

And the truth of our world does not tend towards the encouragement of optimism.

The truth is Americans who are obese [approximately 1 in 3 children in the U.S. are obese] and Nigerians who are malnourished [there are 5.75 million underweight children in Nigeria]; the truth is sickening injustices that create multitudes of “causes” and less action, chaos and turmoil, governmental abuse, corruption, economic uncertainty. The truth is culture that is seriously messed up in so many ways. It’s a world where the GDP of the 48 poorest nations is less than the combined wealth of the world’s 3 richest people. It’s a world of red lights when you want to text and Facebook statuses that make you want to cry (or gag) because of the sheer narcissism. As Big Daddy from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof would say, “The truth is pain and sweat and payin’ bills…. Truth is dreams that don’t come true, and nobody prints your name in the paper ‘til you die.”

If that was all there is to it, I think my tendency towards “realism” would make me want to pour a pack of Kool-Aid in that half-full-half-empty glass and be done with it.

But that is only one dimension of reality.

Because what is reality? Reality is Truth. Truth is the thread weaving this tangled mess we call reality into a perfect product God calls His plan. The Truth is that there is something higher than this world, bigger than all the evil, greater than ourselves, something we only snatch glimpses of, a breath of light when the clouds shift, and parting, for a moment we catch sight of heaven. It is the reality of a higher reality: God Who sees purpose where we see only pointless pain, God Who wrote the end of the story for us all to read, and Who is coming back. For us.

It is that that makes the stark circumstances of this world around me bearable. Even more than that, it makes life fully worth living, if only to catch those occasional glimpses of that higher reality, higher Truth that dovetails and completes the truth we know and weaves us all together – pessimist, realist, optimist, idealist – in His incomprehensively perfect plan. 

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. 

Read more ...

On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions {Part 2}

"People tell me I am brave," says Katie Davis, "People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job. Well here is the truth of it. I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am just doing what God called me to do as a follower of Him. Feed His sheep, do unto the least of His people." 


Would that be your answer? What does that mean for us? How can we be loving the least of these... today? Hannah shared her thoughts with us last time, here is another young lady to offer her perspective on some of the hard questions of missions work:

Carolyn:

How has the Lord touched your heart on this issue?

I'm not really sure why the Lord gave me a burden for orphans, child slaves, and abortion. He just did. I can't really remember who or when it started but I've always felt called to something with children. All I know is that He has given me a hurt for these hurting children and someday He will show me what He wants me to do about that. Until then I need to keep listening, keep preparing, and keep praying.

How has that passion impacted your life?

It has helped my relationships with my siblings a lot. I have three younger siblings and I believe the Lord has given them to me so I can practice. It has also helped me become more humble I look at others who have gone before me and I stop thinking I'm so wonderful.  

What is one way we can 'make a difference'?

Remember that God makes the difference, if you are ready to always be his tool he will use you. Sometimes that means taking the first step without knowing what the second step is. The best way to make a difference is to not wait for the faith you need but to trust that God will give you the trust you need at each individual time. I know that sounds paradoxical but it works. He may give you a lot to do he may give you only a little. But it will always be just enough.

Not all Christians are called to physically move to foreign countries and devote their time to the desperately poor. However, when compared with the work missionaries are doing, sometimes our lives seem superficial and in some ways selfish. What are your thoughts on this?

I've actually been struggling a lot with that lately. There is so much work to do close to home and so much work to do  in other lands. Part of me wants to help carry the light into areas that have never seen it. Part of me wants to go help the children over seas who are hurting. then another part of me wants to stay here and help the babies that are being murdered right here in my own country. So I think that each individual should trust the Lord to give him or her their own assignment. Knowing that the assignment might change. After all as long as you are doing the Fathers will how can you be doing wrong? There is no "better way" then the way He has placed you in. 

Is giving money to good causes enough?

No. Money is not enough. The Bible tells us to give of ourselves. To give what we really prize. The Christian is taught to prize time and love, not just money. So giving our money, while good, is not enough.  We need to also give our time and our talents. However, you can be a missionary at home! Giving your time and talents to the Lord at home is the same thing as giving them in Africa. Once again the important thing is to be living the will of the Lord.

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the first group I would say this: Hi sisters! You're just like me! I am so glad that the Lord has spoken to your hearts. I have two cautions though: 1.) Don't get caught up in the romantic vision of the mission field make sure its the Lords' glory you want not adventure. 2.) Prepare yourselves by ministering to those around you. Don't expect to get out there and be instantly the perfect example to the heathen.

To the second group I would say this: Are you listening? Do you have a close relationship with the Lord or are you drifting? And if you are you are just like me! I have huge dry spells when I feel like just doing what I want to do.  But you know what? It's always my fault! If you want to be called, you have to stay within calling range; draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.

What has God said to me on this issue? The verse I have picked as my own this year is this. "Walk in wisdom toward them which are without redeeming the time."  Life was given us to glorify God. The Lord has called us to use each second to the fullest. To seek for wisdom, to be an example, and to glorify God. A missionary is someone with a mission, my mission is your mission; to bring glory to God. That is the bottom line.

Don't forget to look for Part 3, coming soon 

Read more ...

On a Mission: Asking the Hard Questions

One girl. About the age of most of us. One countercultural decision. One crazy awesome God and one heart surrendered to His wildest ideas.

The result? Thousands of orphans given homes and cared for, thousands of ways for the Gospel to be shared, one amazing ministry begun, one beautiful book written, and thousands of hearts inspired.

The girl? Katie Davis, now young mother of 13 orphaned girls and founder of Amazima Ministries. The book? Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, the exciting and heart-wrenching story of her adventures in Uganda. My advice to you? Read it.

Kisses from Katie is Katie Davis’ telling of her own story, how she turned her back on the traditional American life of college and career and chose a radically different life than the one she had grown up with and expected to live. But more than that, Katie’s book is the story of the people, and particularly the children, of Uganda; it is the story of the approximately 143,000,000 orphans around the world today, voiceless and alone; it is the story of a God big enough to use a little girl to do great things.

Reading Katie’s story is not exactly the kind of book you want to read curled up in a comfortable chair, sipping a $4 latte… without seeing the complacency and self-centeredness of our culture mirrored in yourself, that is. Because Katie’s book is like that. Unless you’re reading it from the depths of Africa or somewhere where you are engrossed in full time mission work with orphans up to your ears, Kisses from Katie raises interesting, and convicting, questions. As high school girls, wrapped up in activities and friends, are we truly living for anyone other than ourselves? As college students, busy with heavy course loads and meeting new faces, are we living with an eternity-mindset? As 20-somethings, moving on with life and careers and schooling, are we so focused on the next bend in the road that we forget the crying, hungry world around us?

Not everyone is called to leave their home, families, friends, and the beaten path of classic American life to directly minister in hungry and sick, poverty-stricken third world countries. We can be missionaries wherever we are [we all know that right? the whole ‘bloom where you’re planted’ thing?]. But in the face of thousands of children who live in conditions so desperate our minds can only imagine, that platitude, although truthful, can seem to fall a little flat.

Three girls, each with a passion for children, orphans, missions, and the voiceless, are here to share their thoughts with you on this topic, and why it has become a passion for them.

 

Hannah:

Why do you have a passion for orphans/children/missions?

I didn’t originally have a passion for this issue. I mean, my heart would hurt when footage of starving children came on the TV screen, and I’d feel compassion for children without families--but mostly I didn’t think of them. I tried not to let them cross my mind too often because I doubted that there were real, tangible ways I could help. 

If you could tell people of one way they can make a difference, what would you tell them?

Prayer. This should not be disregarded or downplayed. Jesus speaks repeatedly on prayer in the New Testament--He uses strong imagery to emphasize how we should appeal to Him boldly and often. These kids are under His watch. He loves them more than we do. So why would we hesitate to appeal to Him to care for their needs, and equip us to help them?

To the girls who have grown up reading missionaries biographies and have always dreamed of the missionary life, what would you say? To the girls who are pretty much happy with their American life and “don’t feel the call”, what would you say?

To the girls who (like me) were raised on missionary stories--don’t downplay your involvement. You might not be in a place in life where you can drop everything and go overseas. You may never be given that opportunity. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Mother Teresa emphasized that all we can do are “small things with great love.” I would add--I don’t think anything done for the Kingdom is truly small. Everything matters. Everything is seen by God. 

To the girls who don’t think you’re called...I would suggest reconsidering. The truth is, if we love Jesus, caring for orphans isn’t a question. James 1:27 says it is a mark of “pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God.” The question isn’t whether you’re called. The question is “how.” How can you specifically help love these kids? Prayer? Active involvement in a local orphan ministry? Fundraising for orphan ministries or places that support potential adoptive families, like the Abba Fund? But mostly...I’d encourage those girls to dare to see yourselves in these children. But for the grace of God, we’d be there too. How can we possibly bear to live without giving them a second thought? If God’s heart breaks for them, why should our hearts remain whole?

check back soon for part 2... 

Read more ...

How Our (Future) Children View God - President or Best Friend?

{by Rebekah Kimminau}

A few months ago I was reading an article on teaching your children the catechism. It was talking about having your children from a young age start memorizing the catechism. (For those of you who don't know what a catechism is, it is a small book full of truth's about God, from the bible. Things such as: "Who is God's Son? Jesus." "Who created the world? God." "In how many days? 7.")

After reading the article I got to thinking about how I was hoping to have my (future) children someday do this. A few days ago, God brought the thoughts back into my mind. As I was pondering them, I had a great realization from God. I realized that there were two ways I could show God to my children. As if He was the President, or as if He was their best friend. 

When you get to thinking about it, the president does have a smilar role as God. He is there to lead and protect our nation, just as God is put in place to lead and protect us.  He sets up rules and laws for the betterment of the nation. Just as God set out laws in the bible for the betterment of us. 

But then you get to thinking, what does the president look like from a child's point of view. He looks like the guy who is way "up there". Though they know He exists, they also know they will probably never get a chance to meet him. He is the guy who's name they memorize is school along with what number president he is. So from their point of view, he is a guy who lives and breathes on the same planet as them (as well as lives in the same country), but has not much else to do with them.

Now let's see how a best friend is similar to God. A best friend (at least any of the one's I have had) would do just about anything to protect. They love you with passion, and are the people who are always available when you need them. (the president, on the other hand, may take a while for you to reach should you want to talk to him ;) A best friend is there for you because they LOVE you. Not because they are called by their "oath of office" to serve and protect you.

So which way do I want my (future) children to view God? As someone who they memorize facts about, or someone they can talk to anytime they would like. Defiantly, the latter. I believe teaching your (future) children from a young age that God is always going to be there for them, and always going to love them, no matter what, will give them a huge jump start in the relationship with Him. If when they think of God, they immediately think of someone that they can run to when troubles come, they can rely on when things around them fall apart, (just like I would say about my best friend) then they will have a wonderful start to their walk with the Lord.

p.s. This is not only wonderful ideas to teach your (future) children, but also great ideas to apply in your personal walk with God.

About Rebekah: I am a 17 year old girl who, strives everyday to live for the Lord. I don’t always live in Him, but I try. I have been home schooled all of my life, and I am an Air Force Brat. I have move 9 times in my life. I am the oldest of four, and I absolutely adore my family. I have had a passion for babies and children ever since I was little, and I spend most of my time babysitting. I currently live in the DC area.

Read more ...

Living is What Matters: A Journal Entry

{by Rachel Roose}

The sound of geese honking resounded in my ears as I leaned back in my chair meditating on Luke chapter twenty-one.

...Flipping to a blank page in my journal I began to write:

O Lord, I really enjoy listening to Your geese honking outside.  They make me happy! Dear Jesus, I loved the verses 14-15, & 19: ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁹ By standing firm you will gain life.

I will work hard not to worry but to trust You, to depend on You to fill me with wisdom for alone I am helpless, I am nothing but with You I can stand firm. Your wit far surpasses that of anyones deepest imagination. Your wisdom is not to be grasped. Your thoughts are profound and Your words a precious to me. I love You. By Your strength I will stand firm and by Your wisdom I will gain life.

Then I felt Him say: Rachel My daughter, this truth is so good. I’m so glad to hear you repeating it. Remember it is much easier to say than to do, you may know it but it is living it that matters. So be on your guard, always be ready, never let Me out of the front of your mind. Rachel, My strength and truth can arm you even today. I know you do not see anyone coming to persecute you, but through the simple things like when one of your younger siblings really irritates you. Pray to Me I will give you the right answer- this will save you from many quarrels and fill your home with much more joy and peace.

Rachel Roose is homeschooled along with her 7 brothers and 3 sisters.  She is passionate about one day serving the Lord by opening her arms to orphans.  Whether teaching dance, painting, running with her sister and mom, or preparing for the future, her aim is to encourage others to experience a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Read more ...

Discourse on Being Called {Part 2}

{by Katrina Rebsch}

Upon my arrival home after a busy semester, with plenty of time on my hands for Bible study, I decided to dive into a study of this word, “calling” (and its derivatives) to really get an understanding of Scripture on this topic.

My discoveries have been nothing short of fascinating!

First of all, I looked up every reference to the terms “calling,” or “called” in the New Testament.  Then, based on these verses, I compiled the following lists:

What is our calling as Christians?

(the order as read in the New Testament)

-  Called to be saints, “the called of Jesus Christ”

-  Called according to His purpose (first foreknown, then predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, then called, then justified, then glorified)

-  Called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ

-  Called into the grace of Christ

-  Called unto liberty

-  Called in one hope of our calling

-  Called in one body

-  Called unto His kingdom and glory

-  Called unto holiness

-  Called to glorify the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in us according to His grace

-  Called by the Gospel

-  Called to eternal life

-  Called and saved with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

-  Called of a heavenly calling

-  Called out of darkness into His marvelous light

-  Called to follow His steps who did no sin (even in the face of suffering)

-  Called unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus

-  Called to glory and virtue

-  Called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb

Categorized by preposition:

-  Called out of darkness into His marvelous light

-  Called of a heavenly calling

-  Called of Jesus Christ

-  Called by the Gospel

-  Called in one hope

-  Called in one body

-  Called according to His purpose (first foreknown, then predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, then called, then justified, then glorified)

-  Called and saved with a holy calling according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began

-  Called to be saints

-  Called to glorify the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in us according to His grace

-  Called to follow His steps who did no sin (even in the face of suffering)

-  Called to glory and virtue

-  Called to eternal life

-  Called into the grace of Christ

-  Called unto the fellowship of Jesus Christ

-  Called unto liberty

-  Called unto His kingdom and glory

-  Called unto holiness

-  Called unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus

-  Called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb

**********

It is very interesting to me to note that based on the majority of verses in the New Testament, the Biblical usage of this term “calling” is quite different than how we commonly use it today (i.e. specific vocation/ministry/task).  From these verses, we see that the term is always and only used to refer to believers; who we are called to be in Christ, how He calls us to live, what we are called to do (in a general sense), and where we are called to go when we leave this planet.  It is noteworthy to mention that these callings are always by God, for God, to God, and through God.

Now, is it wrong to use the term “calling” to refer to a specific task or position?  No.  There is certainly Scriptural reference of this definition as well.

New Testament references to a specific calling:

-  Barnabas and Saul were separated for a specific work the Holy Ghost called them unto. (Acts 13:2-3)

-  Through a vision, the Lord called for Paul and Barnabas to preach unto the people of Macedonia.  (Acts 16:9-11)

-  Paul noted that he was called to be an apostle, and later stated, “He hath saved us and called us with an holy calling...according to His own purpose and grace...whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.” (Romans 1:1-7, 1 Cor. 1:1-3)

-  Aaron was called of God to be the first high priest. (Hebrews 5:1-5)

-  Abraham was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance. (Hebrews 11:8)

As I thought about other people who were specifically called by God for a specific task here is the list I came up with:

-   Noah

-   Moses

-   Joshua

-   Samuel

-   Isaiah

-   Jeremiah

-   Ezekial

-   Jonah

-   Mary of Nazareth

-   The 12 apostles

There were probably others that I’m just not remembering, but it is interesting to note that the people called in Scripture by the Lord for a specific task were relatively few in number.  However, we see in the New Testament that all of us believers are called to be saints, to be in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, to walk in holiness and liberty, to fulfill God’s purposes for us, to glorify the Name of Jesus Christ in us.  I believer that inherit within this calling, therefore, is the call to obey the Lord’s commands which include loving God wholeheartedly, making disciples of all nations, being witnesses unto Him, preaching the Gospel to every creature, doing good works, visiting the fatherless and widow, raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and so much more.  Granted, some men are specifically given the instruction by God to be pastors or evangelists in a vocational sense (Ephesians 4:11), but I believe that all Christians should be involved in ministry and obedience to the Great Commission no matter where they live and no matter what they do to earn a paycheck.  Our “calling” is the same; to glorify the Name of Christ and engage in Kingdom work.

*********

Here are some other thoughts I scribbled down in my study of this topic:

There is a difference between our calling as Christians and our spiritual gift/measure of grace given.  One is general and one is specific.

There is a difference between having a desire for being or doing something and having a calling to that same thing.  Let’s not get the two confused and say that God called me to a particular work simply because I have the desire to go and do it.  Nothing wrong with such a desire; the Bible makes it clear that when you “delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart.” 

I propose that to have a calling to a particular work means that God specifically spoke to you.  In the Bible, He always did it vocally, whether through a dream, a Damascus road experience, a burning bush, etc.  However, now we have the Word of God as our guide.  I therefore believe that it is possible to receive a specific calling of God through His Word speaking to one’s heart, as a result of a sermon heard, or through a distinct impression that He is speaking to your Spirit.

Sometimes, God’s calling to a particular place or work will be temporary.  Such was the case with Paul and Barnabas being called to preach to the people in Macedonia.  They did not devote the rest of their lives to that place.  They simply followed God’s calling there and then when the work was finished, they moved on to the next location as God led. 

Sometimes, God will lead and give direction but I don’t know that it is right to use the word calling in such a context.  Nevertheless, there would seem to be overlap in the two ideas.

 **********

Now, what about women?  I’ve often heard it said that a woman’s highest calling is to be a wife and mother.  I am not arguing with the intended meaning behind this statement; that being a wife and mother is a noble and honorable position and one to be embraced with wholehearted enthusiasm.  However, if a woman remains unmarried and yet “cares for the things of the Lord” all during this time, does that mean she is living a “lower” calling?  Women like Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Gladys Aylward, and Corrie ten Boom come to mind.  I agree that women were created to be the helpmeet of the man and that this is the normative pattern God has established for women.  Nevertheless, there are those who never do for a host of various reasons.  Was their life a waste?  A mere shadow of what it could have been if they had married?  Did they miss their high calling?

What about women, whether young or old, who may eventually get married, but for right now, they are in the season of being unmarried?  During this season, are they living according to a “low calling” while they bide their time waiting for God’s choice in a husband so they can live the “high calling” of being a wife and mother?

Do you see how this word can get us in trouble?  If we stick to the Bible’s use of the word “calling” we will see that all Christians, men or women, young or old, married or unmarried, share the same calling from God.  Forgive me if I seem repetitive, but it bears repeating!  We are all called out of darkness into His marvelous light, called by the Gospel, called to the fellowship of Jesus Christ, called to His Kingdom and glory, called unto liberty, called unto holiness, called to glorify the Name of Christ in our very beings, called to eternal life.  It doesn’t get any higher than that. 

So back to women specifically.  “The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:34)  It’s a statement of fact that communicates the Lord’s will for an unmarried woman.  Therefore, the unmarried woman who is living according to this verse is living according to the specific purpose God has laid forth for her and is bringing Him glory!  That is what it’s all about, right?

The married woman, on the other hand, “cares for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”  We know from other passages that God’s will for married women is to bear children, guide the house, love their husbands, love their children, be keepers at home, and obedient to their own husbands that the Word of God be not blasphemed and that the adversary have none occasion to speak reproachfully.  This is God’s stated purpose for married women; that’s not to say they don’t “care for the things of the Lord” as an unmarried woman, but simply that the way they care for the things of the Lord is different, with a focus on husband and children that an unmarried woman simply doesn’t have. 

 **********

Conclusion

So, back to the original question that started this whole journey.  Should I marry a man that has the same calling in life as myself?  That would depend on how the word calling is defined.

YES, I should marry a man who is called by the Gospel of God to be a saint, called to the fellowship of Jesus Christ, called to glory and virtue, called to holiness and liberty, called to His kingdom, called to glorify the Name of Christ.

Does he have to be a missionary going to South America to work with orphans? 

NO.  This is the vocational work God has led me to pursue at this moment as an unmarried woman, but it is not a pre-requisite that my future husband must share this same pursuit.  If God allows me to marry one day, my role will be to serve as the helpmeet of my husband; to go where he goes, to support and enable him to be all he can be in whatever vocation he chooses or is called to and in his role as leader of the family.  While I will still seek to make disciples in obedience to the Great Commission, my first and most important disciples will be my children.  And Lord willing, our family will strive together to view ministry as a life-style.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   2 Peter 1:10-11 

Read more ...

Discourse on Being Called

{by Katrina Rebsch}

During my time at the Rio Grande Bible Institute’s language school program last year, I was challenged inwardly by a statement I heard on more than one occasion: “Make sure you marry someone who has the same calling in life as you do.” 

At first, when I heard that counsel, it made sense to me and I agreed with it.  But the more I pondered it in my heart, the more questions and doubts I had.

“What is my calling?

“I’ve said for many years, I am called to be a missionary.  Does this mean I should marry a missionary?  I’ve often said I will only marry a missionary or someone involved in full-time ministry.  But what exactly is the definition of a missionary?  What is full-time ministry?  Is it really my job as the woman to have as a pre-requisite that the man who marries me shares my calling?   The woman is supposed to be the follower; not the leader!  So, doesn’t it make more sense to follow his calling? But what if his calling isn’t in missions?  Do I give it up for the sake of being his wife?  Or what if he starts out in full time ministry and then changes gears and works a secular job?  Of course, if I was his wife, I would follow him wherever; even if it meant leaving a foreign field and living in America again.  So if this is my attitude in the middle of marriage, shouldn’t this be my attitude before even entering a marriage?  That it doesn’t matter so much what he does as who he is?”

Around and around these thoughts swam.

When I was in the beginning stages of a courtship with a young man at the beginning of the school year, a trusted friend challenged me with the question, “Are you attracted to this guy because of his vocational choice of being a pastor in South America?  What if one day he says, ‘God has told me to stop being a pastor and to open a tortilla factory.’ Then what?  If you could see the future and knew this would eventually happen, does it change your feelings for him now?  In other words, are you attracted to this guy because of his connection to the Latino culture and his desire to be in ministry or because of who he is as a person?  Are you ready to be this guy’s helpmeet no strings attached?” 

Well, as it turned out, we called the courtship off due to the discovery of several major, irreconcilable differences we had.  However, I continued to ponder the counsel of my friend in future months.

I remember my brother-in-law, Nathan (who is a missionary in Ukraine), asking a similar question to my sister during their courtship.  “If there would ever come a time when God would move us out of ministry in Ukraine and back to the United States, how would you feel about that?”  My sister wisely stated, “When I marry you, I will go where you go.  I am excited about ministering in Ukraine, but my first ministry will always be to my family...no matter where God takes us.” 

Of course, I agree with that statement!  So again, I asked myself, “If that would be my same response to a hypothetical situation after getting married, could I have that same attitude before getting married?  That it doesn’t matter what this man is doing for a living or where he is located, because vocations and locations could change.  It matters who this person is; his relationship with the Lord, his character...because once I marry him, he becomes my main ministry.”  It made sense. 

Nevertheless, I couldn’t escape the fact that despite these revelations, I still found a person who wanted to be in “full-time ministry” more attractive than a person who was going to be a plumber or an accountant. 

I brought this topic up for discussion with a married couple on campus who had become close friends and mentors for me...just to get their perspective on the issue.  The first question out of the man’s mouth was, “Well, what is ministry?”  Bingo!  Exactly!  That was the same question I had been wrestling with.  They encouraged me, when considering a fellow as a potential spouse, to really examine his life.  A person living in “full-time ministry” is one who has a heart to serve the Lord wherever he finds himself in life, one who will be faithful to share Christ with the people around him, whether he works an office job or preaches from a pulpit in a church several times a week.

A missionary is not only someone who receives his paycheck from a mission board or supporting churches; nowadays, there are many “missionaries” who earn their own “support” working in foreign countries on business visas.  They are called “vocational missionaries” and do this either because the country is closed to blatant Gospel work and the only way to get in is under a secular job title, or because they’re not necessarily cut out to be preachers or church planters, but they still want to use their occupational specialty to further the kingdom of God (i.e. graphic design, communications, construction, etc.).  So are vocational missionaries not real missionaries because they work a regular job and do ministry on the side?  Of course not!  We know the story of Priscilla and Aquilla in the New Testament who were tent-makers as well as ministers of the Gospel and helpers to Paul. 

So that then raises the question, what about people in America who work regular jobs, but who share Christ at the office, who preach on the streets, or who participate in children’s ministry at their church on a regular basis?  Does this “count” as full-time ministry?  What about those, like I’m acquainted with, who work at Care Net Pregnancy Center, or Compassion International, or the Rio Grande Bible Institute?  Whether their salaries come from the ministry itself or from supporting churches, are some considered  more “true-blue” missionaries than others?

Around our strawberry shortcake that night, my friends helped me to understand that ministry is a way of life; not a place, not a job title, not the activities that fill one’s day. 

So, it’s not wrong to be attracted to a fellow who is involved in ministry, because this shows his heart for the Lord and kingdom work!  It is important, however, to hold the right definition of ministry and not narrow it down simply to a vocation: traditional missionaries on the foreign field, evangelists, and pastors.  Because, as we said before, vocations could change. 

In considering a young man as a potential spouse, I need to look at his life.  If he works a regular job, is his interest only in making money and living “The American Dream?”  Obviously, such a focus is completely opposite from a lifestyle of ministry.  If, on the other hand, his job is simply his launching place to sharing about Christ with others, his way of making money to provide for his family and to support kingdom work around the world, that is a ministry lifestyle.  Of course, his convictions on family life need to be taken into consideration as well if I truly want someone whose first ministry will be his family.  Which I do.  Very much.

As the semester continued, puzzle pieces started falling into place about this whole topic of one’s “calling.” 

As I continued pondering these things in my heart, it occurred to me that the very first work God gave the very first man to do was “secular”...if you want to call it that.  He told Adam to tend the garden and name the animals as part of the dominion mandate.  Now, obviously, this was before other people lived on earth and therefore there was no need for “ministry” to bring others to know the Father.  Nevertheless, it struck me that Adam’s obedience to this vocational work God had given him to do brought God great pleasure.  And isn’t that what the purpose of life boils down to anyway?  Glorifying God?

So is God more glorified by a person who works a job as a chemical engineer in Massachusetts or one who directs an orphanage in Africa?  Good question.  I would propose that the vocation itself doesn’t necessarily bring God pleasure; it’s the person and his attitude, and his motive that determines whether or not God is glorified.  Granted, there are specific commands in Scripture we are given to obey and the Bible does exhort us to invest in works that are equated with gold, silver, and precious stones rather than wood, hay, and stubble.  But my point is that God is not necessarily impressed with one vocation over another.  He is looking for men whose hearts are perfect toward Him, who love Him and follow Him and proclaim Him no matter what job they work. 

So if God is not impressed with one vocation over another, why am I?  I guess because in the circles I have been discipled in, the vocation of pastor or missionary has been promoted so much, I tend to think of these jobs as being the highest and best for a Christian.  True, those who pursue such paths tend to have the same desire to live in the light of eternity as I do, and this also influences my attraction toward those who have chosen this vocational pursuit.  However, there are many, many Godly people who are not working as a pastor or missionary and still living in the light of eternity!  How important that I don’t put the kind of husband I want into a vocational box!

The last missionary club meeting of the school year seemed to solidify many of these swirling thoughts into a concrete understanding.  The topic was on one’s calling.  Coincidence?  I think not.  I don’t remember a whole lot of what the speaker shared but this one statement claimed my attention: “Our calling in life is this: to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to bring Him glory.”

That sure simplifies things!  It makes so much sense!  Why was I getting all caught up in the idea of a calling being primarily vocational?  My calling is to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to bring Him glory.  Anything else I do with my life is extra, and should be founded on this calling.

Sometimes, God has to take us back to the clear-cut basics to slice through the fog of all the extras.

The speaker pointed out that on various occasions throughout Scripture, God did call certain people to specific tasks.  Noah.  Abraham.  Moses.  Paul.

So, can a calling involve a certain vocation or specific task?  Yes.  Nevertheless, we must keep in mind that our foundational calling is that of having a relationship with the Lord.

Upon my arrival home after a busy semester, with plenty of time on my hands for Bible study, I decided to dive into a study of this word, “calling” (and its derivatives) to really get an understanding of Scripture on this topic.

My discoveries have been nothing short of fascinating!

check out what Katrina discovered in Part 2, coming soon...

Read more ...