Introduction
Reading Courage and Calling by Gordon Smith is a unique opportunity for me to understand the role of God, the worth of Christian life, and vocation. It is not easy to trust one’s own life to someone, but the book gives several critical lessons about why it is ordinary and even necessary to invite God and follow His lead.
There are many strong quotes in the text, but I would like to discuss the three most significant quotations that helped me strengthen my faith and attitude toward my vocation as a Christian. In this paper, attention is paid to the importance of past experiences (Chapter 6), engagement in life without cynicism (Chapter 10), and cooperation (Chapter 12).
Analysis of Quotes
Reflecting to Stay Present
“We must look back, but we look back so that we can be fully present to this situation, this moment, to the real circumstances of our current life situation” (Smith, 2011, p. 143).
The essence of vocation for believers is to follow the calling of God. However, instead of unquestioningly trusting the Scripture or other words and recommendations, the author suggests combining personal experience, history, and actual circumstances (Smith, 2011). There has to be a balance between what we know and what we should know and do to fulfill our Christian vocation. I believe this quotation plays an important role in defining interpersonal relationships and the contributions that can be made. Without knowing the past, it is impossible to succeed in the present. People face different circumstances that define who they are in this life. Thus, individuals can make mistakes or wrong decisions because sometimes they are inevitable. Emotional maturity and trust need time, so there should be enough time to look back, evaluate the achievements, and do the right thing with respect to God’s mission.
Avoiding Bitterness and Embracing Faith
In another quote, Smith (2011) teaches the reader a vital lesson to improve life and succeed in spiritual formation:
“The great danger is not only self-pity or, worse, a martyr complex. These are pathetic, no doubt. No, the great danger is bitterness and cynicism. Far better to go into life and engage in the work that God has called us to with the assumption that no one owes us anything (and that God will affirm and bless us in his time). Only then can we begin to respond positively to setbacks, difficulty, and disappointment.” (p. 211)
In my experience, many people decide to address God and search for His support and protection after something bad or traumatizing happens to them. However, Smith (2011) wants to underline that self-pity should not be the reason people accept Christianity with an expectation of positive changes and improvements. Faith does not promise anything, and no one will owe a believer anything, even God. A person should choose a vocation on their own, and only in this case is it possible to succeed and enjoy this life.
When people choose to believe in God, they should not expect indulgence or priority. There are no guarantees for happiness or success, but there is one simple truth – God is always ready to inspire everyone who wants to repair what is broken or support the hopeless. It is wrong to feel sorry for yourself, but trying to find someone who might take responsibility is more dangerous. Faith and vocation make people stronger in this complex and unpredictable life.
The Role of Solitude in Vocational Clarity
“Solitude is essential for vocational clarity and integrity because in solitude, we are enabled to sustain a connection, a relationship, with the very one who has called us” (Smith, 2011, p. 261).
This last quote contributes to my better interpretation of vocation and God’s plan for its followers to admire his grace. Many factors define vocation, and Smith (2011) focuses on solitude within a community as the way to be present to God and stay with God. There is a common mistake that loneliness is the only condition when a person might address God and find His support. The worth of privacy can be better recognized through the prism of cooperation and relationships with other people. There is no need to seclude and believe that all problems will go away. God never calls people to choose privacy over communication, and people around create the background that is necessary for a person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to explain my choice of these three quotes again. Smith’s reading contains interesting and educative ideas that shed light upon vocation and God. It is easy to get lost among this variety of lessons and statements, and these quotations are significant because they show a plan for me to follow and find salvation. I should not forget about my past because it clarifies my present. This is how I work on my emotional maturity and self-assessment. Besides, I have learned that it is wrong to blame someone for something bad but eradicate the bitterness of self-pity, which strengthens my spiritual formation. Finally, it is crucial to cooperate with the community to recognize the value of solitude and trust to reach God the way I need it.
Reference
Smith, G. T. (2011). Courage and calling: Embracing your God-given potential. InterVarsity Press.