Sacred Calls To Secular Places

A few Sundays ago there was a discussion in our Bible lesson surrounding dance in worship.  As the discussion morphed into if-a-could-a-should-a-would-a listing, I realised that many of us who came from the traditional church era were carrying regrets from missed opportunities which would have spawned great life experiences.  As the discussion continued, it became clear that much of what was taught as 'holy living' was based on someone’s perception, and this dogma boxed us into a limited arena, where the only acceptable display of talent and gift were those deemed fitting for the four wall of the assembly; singing, teaching, preaching, exhorting and liturgical dance.  However, many other talents went unnoticed or had a very short life span; ban from being pursued once you are considered a Christian.

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Looking back, as a young girl I was very good in sports.  I ran for different track meets and clubs in Jamaica and had the prestigious honour of representing my high school at the girl’s championship, an event where most, if not all the high schools would gather to compete against each other in sports.  I absolutely loved track and field, netball, high jump and was naturally quick and often praised for my hurdling technique.

After joining the church and receiving the teaching related to ‘come out from among them and be ye separate’ I was impelled to drop what I loved doing, something that had opened doors for me to represent my country at international sporting events.  The reason surrounding this decision was the outfits that were worn were believed to be revelling or tight fitting and therefore not deemed holy.  Obediently, I gave up something that God had given me the natural ability to do.

Now years later and with a better understanding of the word of God, I realise that the practice, teachings and beliefs on holiness and separate living was not entirely from the scriptures, but rather from someone’s misconception and lack of understanding.  This has caused many limitations for reasons which were incorrectly taught.  Also the avenues those abilities would have opened up were closed, because the Christian(s) God enabled to enter into those arenas were being taught not to participate, as those activities or the clothing required were considered unholy.

Deuteronomy 8:18 states:  But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth…

The Hebrew word for power in that verse is ko'-akh, it literally translates to “might”, “ability”, “substance”, “vigour” or “strength”.   Here is the challenge, what if the ability given to you by God does not fit in with the church creed?  Is it incorrect for Christians to pursue careers that take them outside of a religious genre?  What if you are passionate about fashion, or modelling, or film making, or writing or media?  What if the doors which open up for your passion or ability are outside of the religious sphere, what then?  Do you negate your God given ability and talent missing the opportunity to minister to people you may never meet in another setting?

The church has sadly lost so many gifted and talented individuals because we have taught them that their gifts were only to be used in Church.  However, some of these gifts have become careers, and how do you eat when and provide for yourself and your family when what you use your gift to do within the four walls is deemed voluntary and even if you were to be paid, it would not be enough to pay your bills?  Do you ignore the answers God sends to your prayers for doors to be opened enabling you to feed and provide for your family because the avenue opens up in a secular sphere?

There are musicians who have been put out of the church for playing in a secular arena because the overall consensus is that the gifting God has given is only for the glory of God.  While I agree with that statement, my understanding of what exactly brings God glory differs.  For I do not believe that God is only glorified when we sing, play, write, act, or perform in a church setting alone.  Think about it, those who are in church are either already saved or have already come through the doors, leaving the preached word to do the rest.  There are so many still outside the church wall that needs to be saved?  How then do we reach them?

I know a young Christian who has had the opportunity to meet and impact major movie producers and singers through her God given passion and ability.  She has appeared in Avatar and has toured with Colour Purple Broadway show. How?  Through dance; her ability to dance has opened doors taking her on stages that most of us will never tread.  I can tell you right away that some of the costumes she had to wear would not be smiled upon in our traditional church circles, but if we could get pass that and see a bigger picture, one where the opportunities created allow her to reach those within the entertainment industry.

For too long, we have had limitations placed on us through misconception.  Obedience to these teachings have segregated and caused much infighting within the church, as too many talented people sit frustrated with nothing to do.  The time has come for us to recognise the sacred call to secular places.  The vehicle that will take us into arenas once considered taboo and out of bounds are our God given gifting and abilities.  They will open doors for others to see God in us.  We must change our ideology of what it means to be holy, living a life separated unto God, does not mean literally segregating ourselves from the unsaved, for some of them will never come through our church doors, however our sacred calls will propel us into their secular places.