Tom Wright, an expert on vocation and calling, answers questions about the significance of our earthly vocation in light of God's ultimate plan. He discusses discerning one's calling, aligning efforts with God's plan, addressing disqualifications for ministry, and pursuing a career in biblical scholarship.
Vocation and calling should be seen within the context of God's broader purpose for the world, emphasizing the importance of living and working to God's praise and embodying His rule through acts of service.
Personal spiritual maturity involves humility, prayer, and openness to discerning and adapting one's vocation based on new insights; our present actions serve as genuine signposts of God's future redemption.
Deep dives
Understanding vocation and calling within the larger context of God's purpose
Vocation and calling should not be solely focused on individual desires and preferences, but rather seen within the broader scope of God's purpose for the world and human beings. God's ultimate plan is to put the whole world right and fill it with the knowledge of His glory. Human beings have a specific calling to live and work to God's praise and glory, while also sharing in God's rule over the world. This involves embodying God's rule, as seen in Jesus' actions of healing, feeding, and serving others. Discerning vocation requires prayer, humility, and attentiveness to one's gifts as well as input from others.
The significance of personal spiritual maturity and the anticipation of God's future
Personal spiritual maturity is characterized by humility, prayer, and openness to God's leading. It involves being willing to discern and adapt one's vocation based on new insights or changing circumstances. While our efforts in participating and working towards putting the earth right may seem insignificant, they are important in anticipating and preparing for God's future redemption and the arrival of the new earth. God desires us to be active participants in this ongoing process, and our present actions can serve as genuine signposts and anticipations of the future.
Pursuing a career in biblical scholarship and the future of the field
For those aspiring to pursue a career in biblical scholarship, there are opportunities and a need for teachers of the Bible in various contexts. While the job market may seem challenging at present, there is a belief that over time there will be a greater demand for qualified teachers and scholars. To prepare for such a vocation, it is essential to deeply engage with the biblical languages, have a solid understanding of the biblical texts, and read widely, including commentaries. Being actively involved in the local church and praying for the next generation of teachers and ministers is also crucial. The path to a career in biblical scholarship may involve twists and turns, but openness to God's leading and dedication to learning and teaching are key.
Does our vocation and calling on earth make a difference if God is going to put everything right in the end? Does my past disqualify me from a call to priesthood?
These and more questions are answered by Tom Wright.
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