Seeing work as a calling from God [Being Indian and Christian #12]

Life update (marriage), reflections on work and loving our neighbours

Hi friends,

I have exciting news! I got married to the girl of my dreams! 😁 This was on June 24.

Since having this major life change, I ended up taking a three month break from my newsletter writing. But now I feel ready to be back. Hopefully I'll be very regular henceforth.

The past month has primarily been about catching up with work and getting into a rhythm with work and family. Fortunately, my wife and I have the privilege of being teachers at the same school. But work has been a blessing in many ways. In this newsletter, I decided to write about the blessing of work as a calling from God to serve our neighbours.

Teaching as an Act of Love: Creating a Culture of Flourishing

In the busyness of our day-to-day challenges at work, it can become difficult to get a bigger picture perspective on why we do what we do. While we are clearing out the small trees, it's hard to see the forest. But taking time out to reflect on why we do what we do can be a really helpful exercise. In this blog post, that is what I try and do.

Do give it a read if you're interested.

How Busy People Can Serve India Well

This article by Anand Mahadevan on the eve of the Independence Day gives 5 practical ways that busy people can serve India. A couple of ideas that stuck with me were to remember that India is not just an idea but is made of its people and to connect one's career with our country and serve our neighbours joyfully inspired by the sacrificial love of Christ.

How Can Your Work Be God’s Way of Loving Your Neighbour?

This is another article by Ranjit David that I really love. Here's a couple of paragraphs that really stuck with me:

How does God answer the prayer of a parent when their child is sick? Or the plea of someone who needs help with a government-related task? How does he relieve the fear of someone older when they travel across the seas to meet their family? In what way does God encourage a child to keep going after they face failure at school? How does he ensure your safety and promptness when you travel to work? Or keep you and your belongings safe and help you sleep at night without worry?

Is it not true that God is working behind the scenes through the compassion of a nurse, the diligence of a government employee, the gentleness of an airline steward, the hopeful presence of a kind teacher, the careful auto or Uber driver, and the vigilant security personnel who patrol your neighbourhood without sleep?

Work done well is a form of love. This opportunity to love should be the greatest motivation for a Christian’s work.

That's all this week, folks!

Cheers,

Caleb