Christians and the Status Quo

[Thoughtful Monk]

In the past few months, I have had conversations with Christians (who are mature in their faith) about changing the status quo in my life. Specifically, how to put as much effort into serving God as I do to my secular job. I am tired of putting so much effort into creating wood, hay, and stubble.

However each time the answer (without much discussion) comes back, maintain the status quo.

What is going on that Christians don't want to help other Christians live a life more devoted to serving God.

[foudroyant]

What specific areas about serving God would you want to see changed in your life?

[Thoughtful Monk]

What specific areas about serving God would you want to see changed in your life?

I'm not sure where God is calling me to. I want some help to discern it.

I need encouragement to stop putting so much effort into my secular job that I can work for God. I come home from work exhausted most days.

[KingsGambit]

I think we as Christians need a stronger theology of vocation. I take for granted that whatever we do should be for the greater glory of God, and where vocation fits into that scheme is an issue worthy of larger discussion. Of course, I don't have the answers...

[Truthseeker]

Even when Paul went around bringing the Good News, he worked on making tents.

[KingsGambit]

TM isn't discussing quitting work altogether. He's looking for a balance.

[Spartacus]

Have you thought about the possible intersections of your occupation and serving God?

[Thoughtful Monk]

TM isn't discussing quitting work altogether. He's looking for a balance.

Thanks for understanding. Out of balance is a good way to put it.

[Scrawly]

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Col. 3:17).

I would hesitate to even define work as "secular" because for the Christian, all of life, including work, is interconnected with our life in Christ. The larger context of the verse speaks of "putting on the new self" and indeed we should continuously be striving to "be" rather than "do", because once we are being like Christ, the doing naturally follows.

Hope that helps.

[KingsGambit]

Not to derail, but I understand the sort of frustration with wanting to do more. My job is what you might consider a dead end job, which I have been stuck in for the last four years. I am limited in what I can do to reach others for the better but the best I can do is keep my eyes open for opportunities to do even little things that may make a positive difference for others. And it's frustrating that at times, that's as much as there is.

(I recently read a theology book that at one point addresses dead end/menial jobs and states that there is still Christian value in doing these to the best of one's abilities, and I found that very comforting. Of course, there is more to the Christian life than vocation, but I think vocation plays a larger part of it than many of us give it credit for.)

[Thoughtful Monk]

Not to derail, but I understand the sort of frustration with wanting to do more. My job is what you might consider a dead end job, which I have been stuck in for the last four years. I am limited in what I can do to reach others for the better but the best I can do is keep my eyes open for opportunities to do even little things that may make a positive difference for others. And it's frustrating that at times, that's as much as there is.

I sort of get it. You get more in touch with all that God has done for you, who He is in all His glory, and you feel stuck in a passive ministry instead of active ministry. You want to live a life sold out to God but just can't do it.

[KingsGambit]

I sort of get it. You get more in touch with all that God has done for you, who He is in all His glory, and you feel stuck in a passive ministry instead of active ministry. You want to live a life sold out to God but just can't do it.

Of course, it doesn't mean that I'm not doing exactly what God wants me to do... but perhaps I'm just selfishly hoping for something more exciting.

Then again, Corrie ten Boom was living a very normal life before suddenly being thrust into very dangerous, intense service for God.

[Thoughtful Monk]

Of course, it doesn't mean that I'm not doing exactly what God wants me to do... but perhaps I'm just selfishly hoping for something more exciting.

Then again, Corrie ten Boom was living a very normal life before suddenly being thrust into very dangerous, intense service for God.

I personally find exciting over rated. I think I'm looking for a better connection between what I do and serving God. I'm not a big fan of lifestyle evangelism (having met only 5 or so Christians that actually practiced it successfully) so this do your job as on to the Lord is more a standard for my behavior than being in His service. I suppose they maybe the same thing. I'm sorry but I do my job, I usually do it well and at least in a somewhat Christ like fashion, but I still feel at the end of the day I'm just staring at a pile of wood, hay, and stubble.

Second, does our setting up examples like Corrie ten Boom just set us up for discouragement? I don't face the kind of really hostile environment she did so how could I possibly serve Him like she did? I can't. She may speak to those in a hostile situation but really what can she say to a white, middleclass bureaucrat?

[apostoli]

I personally find exciting over rated. I think I'm looking for a better connection between what I do and serving God. I'm not a big fan of lifestyle evangelism (having met only 5 or so Christians that actually practiced it successfully) so this do your job as on to the Lord is more a standard for my behavior than being in His service. I suppose they maybe the same thing. I'm sorry but I do my job, I usually do it well and at least in a somewhat Christ like fashion, but I still feel at the end of the day I'm just staring at a pile of wood, hay, and stubble.

Second, does our setting up examples like Corrie ten Boom just set us up for discouragement? I don't face the kind of really hostile environment she did so how could I possibly serve Him like she did? I can't. She may speak to those in a hostile situation but really what can she say to a white, middleclass bureaucrat?

How about support Medibank! We've had it Oz for about 40 years and it hasn't sent us broke. Imu, Christianity is about emulating Christ and complaints about not having the ability to buy the latest playstation, ipad or whatever don't fit the paradigm, whilst people go hungry, homeless and without medical care...

[Thoughtful Monk]

I have been reviewing the response I've received. I appreciate everyone's input as its obvious to me that each was meant for my benefit.

Yet I don't feel I've gotten a good answer to my OP: "What is going on that Christians don't want to help other Christians live a life more devoted to serving God?" Maybe put another way, "When did Christians become reluctant to become deeply involved in other people's, especially fellow Christians, lives?"