Final answer:
To avoid making work an end in itself or sidelining it from discipleship, one should seek to integrate work with broader personal and spiritual values, aiming for fulfillment and community contribution. Reflecting on one's calling and ensuring work is meaningful can align it with ethical values. Considering intersectionality in work can foster a more inclusive and enriching approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
Avoiding Extremes in Work and Discipleship
Avoiding the extremes of making work an end in itself and sidelining it from the life of discipleship requires a balanced understanding of work's role in life. According to Adam Smith, specialization in work can lead to increased production but may also result in work that is repetitive and lacks meaning. Reflecting on the Puritan view, a calling in work is seen as a duty that is to be carried out with both dedication and reverence, indicating the importance of aligning work with one's spiritual and ethical values.
The key to avoiding both extremes is to integrate work with one's broader goals and values. This includes reflecting on how the work benefits others and contributes to the well-being of the community and oneself. It is also essential to find work that is personally fulfilling and allows for growth and creativity, rather than just focusing on efficiency and output.
Collaboratively reflecting on work not only enhances the experience of it but can also ensure that it is meaningful and aligned with one's ethics and calling. Workers, including students, should be given opportunities to engage with the process of their work to avoid alienation and to ensure that they see the value in their contributions.
Identifying a balance between work and discipleship involves seeking a vocation that resonates with one's values and provides a sense of fulfillment while serving the needs of the community. Being aware of the intersectionality of one's identity can enrich one's approach to work, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are valued and incorporated.