My dad is disappointed with me because I'm in the Arts and not a missionary. I believe that I'm being a good steward with the gifts God has given me, and plan to use them in ways that are uplifting and edifying. If I were I missionary, I would just confuse people, because I'm still confused with all the fear associated with legalism. Does Jesus want me to drop all the art stuff and be a lousy missionary?
2006-12-03 10:21:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
silverbirch, what are you saying? I don't buy the guilt by the way.
2006-12-03 10:26:15 · update #1
I think squirrely bagel & tantiemeg are the only ones truly qualified to answer this question. You both know that we shouldn't judge each other because Jesus is the only one that truly knows our hearts. Thank-you both so much.
The rest of you might be finding that people don't tend to open up to you.
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised that some Christians can't resist making snap judgements.
I forgive you.
2006-12-03 12:12:22 · update #2
I am sorry your parents are disappointed. I understand how that feels and works in your life, you will grow through it, but it is also a bit lonely.
Know that you are a missionary no matter where you are or what you do! The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of men. As to how you do that, God will let you know. Not everyone is called into full-time ministry. If we were, who would support those called to it financially and in prayer, who would evangelize those left at home?
You seem to be called into the Arts. If you believe this is how you can best glorify God, you will not be truly joyful unless you are in the Arts.
I think the best way to handle your parents is to pray for God to change their hearts. You already know that's His business, not yours.
Have you ever heard of "How Then Shall We Live?" by Francis Schaeffer? It is an older book (more than 30 years), but it is a call to Christians to engage the world and reclaim the arts. It was challenging to my husband and me when we read it and I know my children are happier for it.
At the time (early 80s) we were new believers and were more than a bit legalistic (we purged our books and records, didn't listen to secular music, etc). This book opened our eyes to the, scriptural, freedom we have in Christ. We slowly reintroduced many things, not all, that we had banned from out lives. (Some were still not right for us, but that doesn't mean they are not right for everyone. Those few things are stumbling blocks FOR US, so we avoid them. There are things that are not a problem for us, but they are for others...you get the idea.)
Back to Schaeffer's book...it takes a while to read, but it is worth the effort (I hope my answer is, too LOL). There is a lot of food for thought. You can probably keyword L'Abri for a bit of history about Francis Schaeffer and his work (died in 1984).
So you know...we have one daughter who is an historical
re-enactor on her week-ends and another daughter who is an art major (she is studying illustration). Both use their talents to glorify God, both build relationships with others, meeting them where they are so that perhaps, in time, they might introduce them the real Giver of Life.
I will be praying for you and your parents. May God bless you. ; )
2006-12-03 11:15:19 · answer #1 · answered by tantiemeg 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is inside of you what you are to do.
Your God given gifts are for you to use wisely.
You may feel a little bit pressured by your parents but reading this I tend to think you have not grown enough spiritually to fulfill your parents wishes.
Saying that there will be a time when you feel it is right for you and no one but Jesus can decide and tell you that.
Billy Graham had the same opposition from his son until the time was right and now look at him.
All in the Lord's timing.
God Bless
2006-12-03 10:27:16 · answer #2 · answered by dyke_in_heat 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A "lousy missionary"? I sense that your heart is not in this. You can't be effective as a missionary like this, so continue on with your work in the arts.
2006-12-03 10:29:55 · answer #3 · answered by swissmiss620 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Be whatever you wish. Your religion shouldn't decide what you should or shouldn't do with your life. If you want to be a Lawyer, be one. If you want to be an Artist, be one. If you want to be a teacher, by all means, go for it.
2006-12-03 10:38:36 · answer #4 · answered by lavos1412 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do YOU want? You are, after all, the most important person on the planet, as far as you are concerned - which is the right and proper way to approach this question.
2006-12-03 10:24:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think you should pray to God about it and ask for guidance on how to deal with this
2006-12-03 15:07:27 · answer #6 · answered by jark79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋