Introduction: Called to Create by Jordan Raynor
Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and Risk
In the mornings, I read devotional guides that I find at Bible Gateway. I find that I love the ones that run for a few days. I saw the devotional guide, Called to Create, and it sounded like one that I would enjoy.
During the five days – the length of the plan. I learned about Christian entrepreneurs such as CS Lewis, Casper ten Boom, Arthur Guinness, and JRR Tolkien, who were called to create. I discovered that the plan was from a book, Called to Create by Jordan Raynor.
Have you read?
The Hobbit Book Summary
CS Lewis Personal Library
I pre-ordered the book, waiting excitedly for the release date, November 7th, to arrive. For the most part, I really enjoyed Called to Create, but there were some sections that were too “evangelical” for my liking. However, the book reminded me of how important it is to be humble, and to do things for the right reasons – not things that will simply make you look good.
What is Called to Create by Jordan Raynor About?
There are many times in my life when I wonder if I am really doing work that matters, the kind of work that changes lives. And I frequently ask myself how I can live my faith through my work. The book, Called to Create, makes you question and/or affirm what it means for you to be a Christian. How do you connect your faith to your work? There are many religious denominations where you are made to feel that if you are not a pastor, missionary, and a church volunteer, and so on, you are not doing God’s work. But the author dismisses that idea. Anyone can be called to create.
Definition of Entrepreneur
“An entrepreneur is anyone who takes a risk to create something new for the good of others.”
That is a more inclusive definition of what it means to be an entrepreneur. You are encouraged to present what you have created because others need it. What is that one thing that you are good at, the thing that makes you unique. Learn to create for the good of others. When you are creating, you are emulating God. Your creative work is a call from God.
It is important to leverage your skill set to operate a business. Think about how you can leverage your business in meaningful ways. The highest calling is becoming what God wants you to be. It is becoming your best self.
To Discern God's Calling for Us Answer the Three Questions
- What am I passionate about?
- What gifts has God given me?
- Where do I have the greatest opportunity to love others?
Calling is the intersection of passions and gifts. To love your neighbor through your work you have to be competent in your chosen field. I loved one of the examples in the book where someone is very passionate about singing, but is not a very good singer. Passion and ability are connected. Additionally, you have to be good stewards of the gifts that God has given you. Use your gifts honorably.
Have you read?
Review – Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
As I was reading Called to Create by Jordan Raynor, I asked myself, “How do I change my relationship to my work, so that I may help others while serving God?” One way to do that is to strive for excellence in everything you do, and to put people over profits. The profits will come if you take care of people, since they will take care of you. I liked the fact that Raynor gave examples of Christians running their businesses the right way, and those who do not. One of the businesses that the author mentions as doing things right has been in the news for condemning same sex relationships.
“If we choose to reimagine our work as service to the Creator, it will change our motivations for creating, the products we create, and how we create them.”
When you create services for God and for others, you give it your best self. Whether or not you are a Christian, this is a good rule to follow – create meaningful services for others that will change their lives. Every one of us has something to offer, will you take up the call to create?
Final Thoughts: Called to Create by Jordan Raynor
I am not an evangelical Christian, so I had problems with a few sections of the book. I recommend the book though because you can learn from it. The book made me reflect on what it means to be a Christian, and it made me feel like God called me to create, even though I am not a pastor, or missionary. I must admit though, that I am Chair of the Communications Committee and I edit the church’s newsletter, and others rely of me to perform these activities.
Called to Create: A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate, and RiskStand Out: The Ridiculously Simple Guide to Standing Out in Your CareerThe Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next LifeHow to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
