The Summons: A Reflection on Matthew 4.12-23

One of the most important moments in anyone’s life is the moment when we realize that we’re the grown up in the room; we’re the one who has to solve the problem, or step up into leadership. If done right, it’s a moment where we step into our identity and strength and truly become adults. … Continue reading The Summons: A Reflection on Matthew 4.12-23

Vocation Today – Concluding Thoughts

At the beginning of this series on vocation, I set some pretty lofty goals — to do nothing less than address the questions, Who am I? and Why am I here? What we’ve seen the past few weeks is that these questions of identity and meaning originate from the deepest parts of ourselves that long … Continue reading Vocation Today – Concluding Thoughts

Vocation and Discernment

Before ending this series on vocation, we need to look at the all-important topic of spiritual discernment. It’s all well and good for us to talk about what we believe God is calling us to do with our lives, but that kind of confidence can easily lead to delusion — with dire consequences for us … Continue reading Vocation and Discernment

Vocation and Community

The common theme in this series on vocation has been that our vocations are from God and for the community. We’ve seen both these elements in every level of vocation: The calling to bear the image and likeness of God isn’t about puffing us up, but about embodying generosity in and for the world; the … Continue reading Vocation and Community

Vocation in the Real World

The amazing twentieth-century Black theologian Howard Thurman tells a story of meeting with his advisor at his predominantly white seminary. The advisor lauded Thurman’s work but was concerned he was limiting himself by commenting as much as he did on the Black experience instead of “the timeless issues of the human spirit.” About this, Thurman … Continue reading Vocation in the Real World