Plantinga Ch. 5

In chapter five of Engaging God's World, Neil Plantinga lays out our obligation to have a Christian vocation. This is a very strong calling, that shows our obligations as members of Christ's kingdom to progress his kingdom in everything we do.

As we have already learned in this book, we are part of God's creation that has fallen and been redeemed by those whom God has called. As true members of God's kingdom, we should long for his kingdom come, his dominion to reign over all the earth. That is where his elect come in. We must learn to serve him in everything we do, we must be prime citizens of the kingdom of God. Plantinga relates this very well, as he clearly shows that we are prime citizens of the kingdom in everything we do: voting, working, playing. This means that we vote with the intentions of that candidate furthering God's kingdom, we work with the diligence of working for the Lord, and we play with the hope of glorifying God in what we do. The chapter makes special note of the place of politics in the church, mentioning that after John Calvin, it was considered the right thing to do as Christians. In what ways can we influence politics as Christians? The first thing we can do is vote for the candidates that best further God's kingdom. This means voting for candidates who support the stewardship of the earth, the rights of the unborn, the sanctity of biblical marriage. We must not be bulveristic in our support of a candidate based solely on party lines, but rather vote knowing that a candidate can have a profound impact on God's kingdom. The second thing we can do is offer our own talents in public service. Even a failed campaign, if giving Christians the option to vote for you, is a success. As the morality of America and the world seemingly decay, we must actively work to restore shalom to this fallen place.

Another area Plantinga calls us to have a vocation in God's kingdom is in our studies at Calvin College. He warns that we must not be lulled into spiritual deadness because we go to a Christian college. I find this to be true. I attended a Christian grade school, moved to a public high school, and then to Calvin. I believe my faith has grown everywhere, but surprisingly very much so at high school. When your faith is attacked daily by sinful thoughts and desires, your true mettle is shown. While I would like to think my faith is growing at Calvin, it is much easier to think that just going to a Christian college strengthens your faith. This is not so, and is a dangerous thought. We must work continually in our studies, our relationships, our jobs, and everything else, to challenge ourselves and emerge stronger in the Lord.