Apollo 8 Mission: Vocational Glory to God

Introduction

Bill Anders, Jim Lovell and Frank Bormann will possibly never be recognized as great theologians, yet their extraordinary act, demonstrated a profound validation of how our vocations can glorify God. In 1969, the Apollo 8 Mission was the most watched television broadcast, these three astronauts, read in turn from the Book of Genesis as they orbited the moon. Bill Anders began, "We are now approaching lunar sunrise, and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message that we would like to send to you. ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’” Each astronaut then continued through the story of creation finishing the broadcast with “and God saw that it was good.”

As Christians, we are called

Luther’s concept challenges all who followed to seek awareness of God’s relation between the Law and the Gospel. According to Luther’s doctrine of vocation each person lives life in two realms, the secular and the spiritual. Luther was one of the first theologians to inspire renewed interest in reconnecting faith and everyday life. He associated the greatest commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself” to our service and work carrying out Jesus’ example. Luther reminded us, we are working side by side with God, in all areas of our life; church, household, social, and common order of Christian love and in each area we are responsible to glorify God. Luther insisted Christianity is not a withdrawal from the world, but engaging in the world. Luther’s transition from vocation of the priesthood to including secular occupation brings all people to new accountabilities. In Luther 's doctrine of vocation in includes the concept of two kingdoms. In his words, “each person lives his life in two realms, the secular and the spiritual. The spiritual kingdom is ruled by God 's grace and His forgiveness of sins, while the secular realm is ruled by the sword.” In Luther’s teachings, the secular realm was divided into many offices, stations, and callings, each having significance towards serving your neighbor. Luther gives the example of a literal interpretation of the

Recognizing God is a part of our vocation within community can be confusing for us, how can we serve God in the different venues of our life when the world teaches such differing views? We are encouraged to share our witness, testimony, and service within our families, workplace, and our social settings. Family includes the household within our life touching upon each role parent, child, and spouse. It becomes acceptable to compartmentalize the areas of our life and serve in comfortable areas. Consumerism and societal pressures challenge us to withdraw from the Spirit when we feel intimidated, out of place, or even unworthy of God’s involvement in our life. We are called to be “the salt of the earth”, accepting the challenge to unite God’s calling upon our whole-life. According to Migliore, “United in Christ by the power of the Spirit we are one community; we are members of one body and mutually dependent on one another. Recognizing God works with all areas of community unites families, workplace, and social settings together.

Conclusion:

In my mid 20’s, I was good at compartmentalizing my life; work life, social life, family life, and church life, all operated on how I thought those involved in the compartments expected me to respond. This mindset separated me from God and an awareness of a