This blog is about the discussion from Honors about our vocation in life and how we are to use it for His glory. Walter Rauschenbusch was a Baptist pastor and theologian who spent eleven years teaching in a rough neighborhood in New York City. This blog is about a section of his published book where he reflects on the impact individualism makes. He discusses how a person's occupation can change their outlook on their calling from God. He focuses especially on those in occupations where they feel no worth.
Rauschenbusch
starts off by discussing how those who take part in their work and enjoy their
profession find satisfaction and believe that they have found their calling
from God. Those working in poor occupations, however, feel useless, as if they
missed their callings from God. The most common occupation that this takes
place in is manufacturing. Those that work in manufacturing feel dishonest, due
to the quality of product, and don't serve a purpose. As Rauschenbusch states
on page 378, "The finest work is done only by free minds who put love into
their work because it is their own". In America today, the social system
separates those in highly paid and better off jobs than those in conditions that
only satisfy other's needs. This gap causes a large amount of problems in lower
classes because they feel like they have not reached their full potential.
Rauschenbusch then goes on to discuss the conflicts of industry and commerce.
While the two are good and serve the needs of the people, they also cause a
variety of problems. They cause competition which only leads to death,
according to Rauschenbusch. There is still hope, however, that "all human life
can be with divine purposes". This hope may become a reality through the power
of God and His people of faith. The jobs people do not take joy in could be
reorganized to serve humanity and give its workers desire to do their work.
I chose this reading because I hate seeing people work in jobs they do not enjoy. I know I would have a difficult time seeing it as my calling from God. I do my best, however, to imagine God has a bigger plan for my life and He will use me to do His will. It's also so nice to know that there is still hope for society and a change. I also hope that in my vocation I am happy. I will accept wherever God puts me because it is His will and I am forever thankful for the amazing things He has done in my life. After all, as Rauschenbusch says, we have not "tasted the powers of the coming age".
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