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| "Man Hoeing" George Pierre Seurat 1882 |
A funny thing happened on the way to the graduation of the Covenant Theological Seminary Class of 1981. Two contemporary giants of the faith (and mentors of mine) found themselves in a contrasted situation given their remarks at the baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies. Dr. R.C. Sproul with characteristic enthusiasm leaned outward to the graduates and families and laid it on thick: (paraphrase) "Brothers, yours is a HIGH and HOLY calling as you have prepared to enter the ministry." The next day Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer in his signature high-pitched voice reminded the graduates: (paraphrase):"As you enter your vocation, remember that it is no more sacred than the one who washes dishes in the local hotel kitchen, when done unto the Lord." Timely consideration for me in view of my own graduation a year later. And even more timely now that I have 'retired" from 27 years and 2 days of service as an active duty U.S. Army Chaplain. And most significant as I look forward to new ministry as an assistant pastor with our present home church.
The American Labor Day holiday has its roots in an 1882 gathering in New York City's Union Square to celebrate "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." As a socio-economic-political phenomenon, I find the emphasis to be somewhat trite and wearisome. The emphasis is so pedestrian. It doesn't soar or inspire. In fact it suffocates as it pushes me down into the atmosphere of organized toil and drudgery. For me the eternal significance of my work is the difference between "rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them" (Psalm 126.6) and
"blood, toil, tears and sweat" ( first uttered on 2 July 1849 by "Red Shirt" Giuseppe Garibaldi when rallying his forces in the Italian nationalist revolution.) The current labor emphasis may arguably be about a collective prudence, whereby workers seek their own interests and advantages, on the way to building a healthier economy for my neighbors. In the immediate pre-election "conversation", there is a rightful concern for more JOBS. However, in my view neither side has truly given adequate expression to the meaning of vocation (calling) - that is, the higher meaning of our work.
In my view, vocation is simply a facet of Providence. Through our callings we participate in God's decree of providence. ( cf. Westminster Shorter Catechism. Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence? A. God’s works of providence are, his most holy,wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.) Vocation/calling is a creational ordinance. "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." (Genesis 2:15) We find our significance, security, identity and inspiration in the knowledge that we live out our covenantal relationship with God, in part through our vocations. Vocation is the framework for how we understand the family, the Church, social obligations, art, music, literature, science and technology.
I believe there is a direct correlation between one's sense of vocation and one's holistic health. Even though the consequences of the Fall will play themselves out resulting in our physical death (release), we need not succumb to spiritual, emotional, psychological death by detaching our work from the greater purpose of "glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. (WSC. #1) Bouncing out of bed to get to work each day is not so much about screwing up one's resolve, or beating ourselves over the head with the Puritan work ethic (behaviorally expressed), as it is "presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Roman 12.1)
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| Dr. Joan Vernikos (Ph.D) Director, NASA Life Science Center 1993-2000 |
I made of new friend at a recent meet-the-author book fair at the Porter Memorial Library, Stafford, Virginia. Dr. Joan Vernikos (Ph.D, Pharmacology, University of London) has done extensive research into the dangers of the sedentary lifestyle. Her work is premised on understanding the benefits of using gravity to forestall the effects of aging. As a past Director of the NASA Life Science Division, she was integral to the process of returning Senator John Glenn to space at age 77. Her talks and workshops are helpful in understanding the necessity of gravity for our overall health and the practical activities that can capitalize on this creational design. The effects of a zero-gravity environment are enormous. Like gravity, I am persuaded that vocation (or a lack of vocational identity) will have a deleterious effect on our overall quality of life. One of the blessings of meeting Dr. Vernikos, was the joy of witnessing someone who's life work has brought such good to her neighbors, has dealt so well with the mandate in the Garden and has contributed so much to mitigating the effects of The Fall. Her's is a labor of love as she brings "good news" to people in all walks of life. Coupled with the"Good News" of Christ crucified, buried and resurrected for our salvation, these two GOOD NEWS emphases we gain a fuller understanding of vocation and a greater experience of this injunction: “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
See you at The Potter's Wheel!
G.K.Sexton
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15: 58
More on Dr.Joan Vernikos
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