Introduction
Some readings are so powerful and insightful that they can change one’s perceptions and be used for guidance in a person’s life. Courage and Calling by Smith (2011) is such a book as it contains valuable information that Christians need to know to live by ethical principles and be happy. In this reading, I have found ideas and advice that stood out to me, and I am eager to apply some of them in real life.
Powerful Insights from Courage and Calling by Smith
A concept that seemed engaging to me is related to the injustice and cruelty of this world. God is fair and moral, but some people and events surrounding good individuals make them suffer and experience deep pain. It is unlikely that anything positive may be found in the negativity of life, but the book’s author states quite the opposite, and his opinion stands out in the reading.
Thus, according to Smith (2011), “there is hardly anything more critical to personal and vocational development as the nature of our response to difficulty, setback, rejection, disappointment or suffering” (pp. 206-207). First, as good Christians who are heirs with Christ, we need to suffer with him, and this experience makes people closer to God and to fulfilling their calls. However, our hope for the better and our love for God allow us to overcome all difficulties and remain moral and kind to others, which is also a universal calling.
Further, I learned new information about the first chapter of our lives. For example, during the first phase of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, it is common for teenagers to rebel against their parents, and their primary purpose is to identify themselves. Indeed, self-identity is crucial to further acceptance of responsibility and finding one’s true call.
Smith (2011) indicates that “vocational integrity and vitality are only possible if there is a break from parents, from home, from adolescence,” but many parents do not allow their kids to separate (p. 79). Here I have found recommendations for my future self – I need to be accepting, understanding, and patient with my children. Further, I was unfamiliar with the fact that some young adults believe the organizations they work for have parental functions (Smith, 2011). This is a severe issue that can be solved by a healthy and mature break from one’s family and acceptance of responsibility for their life.
Although this week’s reading is quite informative, I have some questions about its concepts. Firstly, Smith (2011) indicates that vocation is dynamic in nature, and people’s calling may change over time. However, how can one recognize that their desire to respond to another opportunity or challenge is beneficial and that the shift from one personal call to a different one is something God wants? Secondly, there are situations when an individual is certain about their true call but lacks the resources to fulfill it. Does it mean that their time will come and God will bless them with the required resources, or is the person wrong, and their call is something different?
Conclusion
Eventually, in my own life, I would like to apply the concepts of letting go of the past and forgiving mistakes or negative circumstances. Smith (2011) believes that this is a key to learning from the world’s cruelty and unfairness to live as happily as possible, be close to God, and fulfill the three kinds of calling. I will develop the skills of observation and adaptation to improve my life and make sure that other people can benefit from what I do.
Reference
Smith, G. T. (2011). Courage and calling. InterVarsity Press.