Hi Mike,

I wanted to write to you about something that has been on my mind for a while.  I understand that we are to act according to the faith we have been given.  However, I feel at times that I try to act above what faith has been given to me (very little).  For example, I try to operate off of things I may know spiritually, but not understand spiritually.  Here’s what I mean:
I spoke with you on the phone about the new field I was getting into.  I realized that I had to get out of theater a while back because I did not see how I could glorify God in such a profession where the focus is on me and my artistic accomplishments.  Plus, it was a culture which had no room for God, let alone the meats of Spirit.  It did not make sense to me to be a part of an art which saw it as a god in itself, something to be praised and exalted in culture – in reality I began to see the art of theater as futile.  Since this experience of getting out of it and trying to seek out a new career which would fit my strengths and personality and spiritual desires, I have become prideful in worrying that I will make a mistake and get into a field which would not glorify God.  I’m not saying I shouldn’t concern myself with this, I just realize at the same time that I don’t yet have a good grasp on God’s sovereignty. 
In many ways, deciding to get into my present field has led me to realize that there are still many similarities to theater.  Because though preservation is a more functional and useful and concrete profession, it still has a “movement” wrapped up into it, a “philosophy”. I can see how preservation can be a religion for some people and how many people devote their whole lives to preservation as an act of saving our past and saving our history from a world that is becoming increasingly lacking in culture.  Though I understand that mentality of wanting to MAINTAIN what we have and to “save” aesthetically sound and appealing structures rather than building new when we can, I do not want to be a part of the futility of that movement seeing how all things will pass away, and this world is not our world.  Though preservation does employ people who are good at leading this movement, it also employs the artisans which do the work of preservation and have a scientific understanding of materials and the built world and how to stabilize and continue the use of these materials.  THIS is what I’m drawn to and want to be a part of.
My question is really a desire to understand what not taking part in the affairs of this world means?  Sometimes preservation projects take years, where research and documentation is exhaustive and stabilization/ rehabilitation/ restoration is a very meticulous process.  I find this very interesting and see it as a perfect pairing to how I am as a worker and what I seek in any labor.  Is spending half a year to a year working on such projects getting involved in the affairs of this world when I am simply hired to do the work that someone has the money and patience to be done;  to basically know the history of a non- existent family, their home, the way they lived, their town in full detail?  I don’t really know the root of my confusion, I just feel like there’s a certain TYPE of job I must have to be a follower of Christ, and I am trying to figure that out really hard.  All I know that Scripture says is that I am to glorify God in all things.  I can imagine that to follow Christ in this life is to be a part of a life of service.  I feel like I could be of service to my employers, but I just worry that I will elevate the job in my mind above what it should be, or that my employers will have that expectation of me.  Well, I probably have as little understanding or foresight to what the specifics of my work will be as you do – but perhaps you get the drift of my concern. Thank you.

Your brother in Christ,
N____

Hi N____,

I understand your concern about not attempting to operate beyond the measure of faith you have been given. But we live in these clay vessels, and we are by design still a part of this kosmos. That is why Christ prayed this prayer:

Joh 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

I write letters like this every day, and the last thing I want to do is to lead any one astray from the Word of God. But I have learned that I too, am in good hands and will be shown when I am going or leading others astray. I need not worry that God cannot correct me. Believe me, I have learned better than that, and the same is true for you.
It is true that any profession, including the ministry itself, can become a god or a religion that is contrary to sound doctrine and the Word of God. That is why we are told:

Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

The word ‘moderation’ is more often translated ‘gentleness’, but in either case it requires self- restraint and consideration for others, considering the fact that “the Lord is at hand” and is right here at all times.
Now look at the verse before and the verse after that verse.

Php 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

The word ‘careful’ in verse 6 should be ‘anxious’ for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’
There are very few occupations which have virtually no redeeming qualities about them from a scriptural point of view. Christians cannot put themselves in a profession that requires that they be willing to kill a fellow human. Christians cannot be professional spies who are required to lie, cheat, steal and, if necessary, kill for their country. Christians cannot be professional prostitutes, etc. But most occupations are completely free of the prohibitions of  thou shalt not kill, commit adultery, steal or covet.
While it is true that any job can become a god, it is also true that it need not be that way. There is nothing at all wrong with a job involving historical preservation, per se. If in any way you are asked to lie, cheat, steal or kill or commit adultery, then you would have a problem that would require that you be faithful to the Word of God and refuse such requirements. While theater is known for portraying these things, even theater can be used properly, when directed by God- fearing directors. I cannot think of any such directors, just off hand, but the scriptures still say:

1Co 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1Co 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

So then, whatever we do should not rule us and should in some way edify us in Christ, and not in our flesh.
I would suppose that is not often the case that a job like yours would require you to break any of God’s commandments. So be very thankful that God has seen fit to give you a job in the times when many have no jobs. Do as the apostle says:

Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Our heavenly Father loves and appreciates a grateful spirit. He loathes an ungrateful spirit. So give thanks for what He has given you, and then you can ask Him for whatever you care to ask. Even if you wish to change occupations, be sure to express your gratitude for  what you have been granted.
I hope this is of some guidance to you. I am always praying for your welfare.

Your brother in Christ,
Mike