Missions Resources - Bibliography
Courage and Calling
Authors: Gordon Smith
ISBN: 0830822542
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Number of pages: 201
Type of cover: Soft Cover
Summary:
reviewed by Andrea McAleenan
In
Gordon Smith’s Courage and Calling, we learn that God
calls people in ways that both demonstrates his love and his initiative in
our lives. According
to Smith “it is through vocation that we come to the appreciation that
God takes us seriously.” He has created us for a purpose.
In Romans 12:2, we are challenged to live our whole lives in congruence with the character and will of God. For those of us who are accustomed to think of vocation as a job or career, Smith clarifies another operational definition. He asserts that our first call is to: (1) become a Christian, (2) experience salvation, (3) walk for a lifetime in faith and obedience to His word. With those building blocks in place, we are encouraged to seek our reason for being in service to the world.
This all sounds good in theory, but how do we make it all fit? Finding balance in our vocation, family, church and overall health at the same time seems daunting. Smith reminds us that serving with grace in all dimensions of life is impossible if we violate who we are as individuals and as a community.
It may not be encouraging for people in their 20s or 30s to acknowledge that deep understanding of who God created us to be might not unfold until much later in life. Recognizing that our learning process may actually take a lifetime requires us to note God’s guideposts for us along the way.
Sometimes I found it difficult to keep all of Smith’s lists and categories clear as he led us through life’s winding stages. (Perhaps he could just consider giving us a 10 step pocket guide!) I often found myself wishing I could sit in his classroom and be reminded of God’s desire for me to patiently grow in an understanding of how to be true to myself within his call.
God’s work is full of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). I have found God continually asking me if I am seeking truth in my life’s call. Commitment to organizational mission, diligence, hard work, love of people and integrity are all part of my Finnish heritage. But they are not characteristics of my life that can stand apart from a lifelong commitment to be fully integrating body, soul, and mind.
I appreciate Gordon Smith’s reminder that freedom to express our best selves in response to God’s call may require charting out new territory. He may even lead us to a place where we pray for a humble and courageous spirit to begin again. Remember, our calling and vocation fit when we deeply know that Jesus gives us a “yoke that is easy and a burden that is light.”
Andrea McAleenan is InterVarsity/USA's Vice President and Director of Advancement.
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