We were created by an infinitely creative God to reflect his love and character to the world. One way we do that is by continuing his creative work. In this energizing book, serial entrepreneur and bestselling author Jordan Raynor helps artists, entrepreneurs, writers, and other creatives reimagine our work as service to God and others, addressing such penetrating questions as- Is my work as a … work as a creative really as God-honoring as that of a pastor or missionary?
– What does it look like to create not to make a name for myself but to glorify God and serve others?
– How can I use my work to fulfill Jesus’s command to create disciples?
– Will what I make today matter in eternity?
To answer these questions, Raynor shares compelling stories from an eclectic group of 40+ Christian entrepreneurs, including the founders of TOMS Shoes, Charity: Water, Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out Burger, Guinness, HTC, and Sevenly, as well as nontraditional entrepreneurs such as C. S. Lewis, Johann Sebastian Bach, and J. R. R. Tolkien. Raynor’s “show” rather than “tell,” story-driven style makes you feel as if you are sitting at the feet of some of the godliest and most successful entrepreneurs of all time.
Perfectly poised to reach today’s growing creative class, this unique work restores God’s position as the first entrepreneur, helping readers see the eternal value in the work they do today.
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Creativity has always been something the world praises and celebrates. We gawk over what others have constructed, yet doubt that we could spend our lives doing the same thing. It’s such a sad statement because it shows how few people realize that their passions can become their work, using their giftings to bring an impact and give glory to God.
“All of us have the opportunity to create for the kingdom, laying our work products down at the feet of the First Entrepreneur.”
Growing up, we are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” From a young age, we feel pressured into figuring our who we are going to be and how we’re going to make a living. Straight out of high school, teens are expected to go to university/college and magically have a grasp on their identity. It’s not surprising that so many wind up dropping out of school or changing their majors because rather than teaching our youth how to hear from God and dedicate our lives to Him, we encourage them to pursue success and money.
When I was a kid, my dad wouldn’t allow people to ask me what I wanted to be. He would stop people and tell them, “She is going to be who God wants her to be.” Wholeheartedly believing that God would guide my life and show me the path to take, my father taught me that my future was not about getting stuck in a job because it pays good, but doing what God has called you to do and pursuing it with all your heart. Through my teen years, I rejected my dad’s teachings, wanting to be in charge of my own destiny; but, as I matured in my faith and began searching for Yeshua daily, I learned that my dad was right, my life was not mine to live as I pleased, but to serve the Lord in all I do! (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“We chose this path because Someone has called us to create. We chose this path because God gave us passion, giftings, and opportunities to use our entrepreneurial talents to glorify Him, love others, and create something that has a shot at being considered the glory of the nations.”
As I began seeking the Father on what path He wanted me to walk down, I stumbled upon Jordan Raynor’s book, Called to Create. Drawn to the idea that a writer and entrepreneur was just as important in the Kingdom of God as a missionary or preacher, I felt encouraged to dig deeper and learn what this could mean for me. I’ve had so many people try to tell me who I should become, but their voices aren’t the ones I listen to. While being a writer can be an uncertain career, I truly believe that when Jesus is the foundation of your life and work, He will provide and open the right doors. I’m not interested in becoming a millionaire and finding worldly success, and reading this book solidified my determination to walk where the Lord is leading!
“Unless you reimagine your work not as a means of glorifying yourself but as a service to the One who has called you, your work will never feel like more than a job.”
Called to Create not only encourages readers not to be afraid of the calling God has placed on their hearts but inspires them to meditate on the Word, spending time growing closer to the Father, and dedicating all we do to His glory. Humans have not been created to follow the crowd, working a 9-5 job, or saving up to start life once we reach retirement; we are called to live for God and serve overs right now! When we take our focus off how much money we can make and more on where God is leading us, life becomes far more exciting and meaningful.
I know that this lifestyle might terrify or seem impossible for some people, but let me assure you, discovering your calling does not mean you have to drop everything to sit and wait on God for a word. Gain experience, try different jobs, work on your giftings to create a skill; only, don’t allow yourself to get stuck in a career you know you’re not created for. Do you find joy in your work? Do you wake up looking forward to the day, or are you like the millions who dread Mondays? You don’t have to live like this; God hasn’t called you to live like this. We each have a purpose on this earth, it might be more than one, and when we allow God to take the reins, we will find more fulfilment in any other workspace.
“Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.” Dorothy Sayers
Jordan Raynor’s simple approach answers many of our questions while giving honest Biblical advice on how to proceed once God places a vision on our hearts. As I read Called to Create, I heard the Lord speaking very clearly through Jordan’s words and the quotes from entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to shine a light on our Savior. From the very first chapter, my eyes were opened to what He had to say. By the end, the Lord had given me a clear vision of where I was heading; the future is exciting and Called to Create gave me the push I needed to crack on with the work God has called me to do. If you want to bring deeper meaning to your life and wholeheartedly serve Jesus in all you do, this book could be the inspiration you need to fully commit to living by the Spirit and serving those around you. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone
“Create in a way that our work can never be confused as a mere “job.” Create in a way that clearly conveys to ourselves and the world that we work sacrificially for someone else. We work for the One who has called us to create.”