In order to fully appreciate this experience, let’s begin class listening to the piece that left the author spellbound, and gave him a picture of human flourishing: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Joshua Bell and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.
In the video, Joshua Bell is simultaneously leading the concerto and playing a challenging score of music. Quite a remarkable feat! This example of human flourishing highlights the importance of how both the part and the whole play a role in the experience—the individual and the community are both necessary ingredients for flourishing.
In this article, Dr. Mark Labberton points out that, “God shares with us, out of the flourishing communion of Father, Son, and Spirit; the overflow that is our hope and salvation,” and “God created humans to flourish by co-laboring with him in that endeavor.” Dr. Labberton provides a catechism on Biblical calling, which often has many associations, so he clarifies what is meant by the heart of God’s call with a series of questions and answers.
When we know who we are, and why we are here, we can live with a sense of purpose and eternal perspective, as opposed to a short-sighted approach to things like career or relationship fulfillment. “Calling isn’t just a category for those who pursue some form of recognized ministry; it’s about God’s desire for all of our lives as ambassadors of God’s kingdom. This is our primary call. This primary call for all of us leads naturally and secondarily to God’s call for each of us.”
The author reminds us of what Jesus teaches as the most important commandments; to love God and love our neighbor. This is our call. “The people of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, are meant to be the hope of the world, the model for all humanity.”
The piece concludes in a short interview with Cindy Bunch. In it we get to the heart of Labberton’s message: when one flourishes, we all flourish. We can’t exercise the basic meaning of the Bible (love, peace, justice) without thinking of our neighbor. Conversely, our social experience—our actual lives—often shield us from the reality of our neighbor’s suffering. Labberton says that “a pragmatic sort of social apartheid is the result. We become blind to the suffering of others.” What Labberton names as the call for all who claim to follow Jesus, is the social responsibility to practice loving our neighbors, in word and in deed. It was through his friendship with Gary Haugen of International Justice Mission, that Labberton was able to understand this connection. Another example of communal flourishing and social change is that of the unbelievable courage of Corrie ten Boom. She experienced the deep, abiding love of God in the most tragic circumstances—and she shared that love with others around her.
The author provides a few suggestions for how to practice flourishing. They are included here, along with a few questions for reflection.
- Where do you experience human flourishing? Music? Art? People? Athletics? Education? Choose a creative medium to help you reflect on the flourishing that’s already evident in your life.
- Take some time to reflect on Labberton’s observation that our lives sometimes shield us from the suffering of our neighbors. Think of some ways this has been true in your own life. After reading this article, are you inspired to engage with others as a source of God’s flourishing—in your own life and that of others?
- Make a “flourishing” collage or playlist (instructions are with the article).
Recommended Reading
Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place, Chosen Books, 1971 and 1984.
Allen Levi, Theo of Golden, 2023. A lovely work of fiction that perfectly depicts human flourishing!
Dr. Curt Thompson, For the Journey Podcast, season 2, episode 9: “Beauty, Desire & Human Flourishing,” 1 hr. 4 min. Coracle, Spiritual Formation for Kingdom Action.