Work, Play, Love: A Visual Guide to Calling, Career and the Mission of God - Softcover

Shaw, Mark R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 083083673X ISBN 13: 9780830836734

Publisher: IVP, 2014

Synopsis

Work. Play. Love. Most of our life is spent in these three areas. But all too often, our work is frustrating, our play is exhausting and our relationships are challenging. What would it take to have a life of meaningful work, refreshing fun and great relationships? Mark Shaw paints us a vivid picture of human flourishing, where a convergence of work, play and love brings delight in life. By pursuing wisdom rather than folly, we can have a renewed sense of vocation. Guarding against cultural pitfalls of money, sex and power, Shaw invites us to discover instead a deeper calling to playful work and faithful love. There we can find our place and experience life as it s intended to be lived―playfully, with freedom and joy. Filled with engaging visual illustrations, this friendly guide will help you discover a life where your work, play and love are all in alignment with God's purposes for you and a larger mission in the world.

About this title

About the Author

Mark Shaw is the director of the Centre for World Christianity at Africa International University in Nairobi, Kenya. He is the author of a number of books, including Work, Play, Love: A Visual Guide to Calling, Career and the Mission of God, Global Awakening: How Twentieth Century Revivals created a Religious Revolution and The Kingdom of God in Africa: A Short History of African Christianity. Mark and his wife Lois divide their time between the United States and Kenya, where they have worked for over twenty-five years. Mark studied world Christianity at the University of Edinburgh (MTh) and the history of Christianity at Westminster Theological Seminary (ThD). He enjoys speaking to churches and campus groups across North America on topics related to his books. He loves listening to Dylan, following the Red Sox and hanging with his grandsons.

Review

"Never before has workaholism seemed such a threat to relaxation and relationships. Similar moments of illustration-fueled insight recur constantly in Work, Play, Love. The book starts by claiming that it will tell you how to keep your work and life in balance. Then it vastly overdelivers. Shaw is a seminary professor, after all, and though he cites business books, Work, Play, Love is really a theology book that describes how God is putting the entire world right." (Caleb Nelson, World Magazine, March 21, 2015)

"Shaw's call to work, play, and love is a call to live in this triple-delight and to participate in the resurrection project. Answering the call opens students up to the reality that their work matters because it is integral to God's unfolding story or redemption. Schools then work alongside the home and church in the formation of peculiar people, a people who delight in the whomever, whatever, and wherever of work, and a people in whom God delights." (Matthew Beimers and Darryl DeBoer, Comment Magazine, January 22, 2015)

"Shaw anticipates and answers theological questions, applies game theory, draws on psychology and history, surveys the Bible, and more. He uses simple sketches throughout to communicate more effectively to this visually oriented generation. Recommended especially to millennials, youth directors, and campus ministers." (Daniel Johnson, CBA Retailers + Resources, October 2014)

"Work, Play, Love is a much-needed and imaginative contribution to our quest for a greater understanding of vocation. Drawing love and play into our understanding of calling and belonging to God and to others is freeing and makes so much sense at a soul level. What Shaw does in this book in the area of vocation gives wings to our longing for holistic living, integrating the dimensions of the human experience in a way that is sure to bring greater fruit, freedom and fun to reader's lives." (R. York Moore, national evangelist, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, author, Making All Things New)

"Like many millennials, I m no stranger to a constant barrage of opportunities, busyness, responsibilities, entertainment and the pursuit of the ever-elusive 'balance.' And while these aren't necessarily bad things, a coffee-fueled survival of the workweek leaves me feeling like I've missed something. Mark's book is a wise, refreshing and compelling conversation that gets right to the heart of things. It challenges my compartmentalization and idolatry and helps me reimagine an integrated life of work, delight, rest, relationships and worship. It's an invitation to join God in his redemptive work and to pursue the flourishing of others. Consider this book an adventure guide and explore what it looks like to be freed from the struggle to find identity in work, play or love alone, and truly embrace the wholeness of living the life God desires for his people." (Hannah Teague, communications director, Peninsula Community Chapel)

"There are some books which come at you sideways. They make you look again at familiar texts and teaching with fresh eyes and unusual perspectives. This book is like that, and I enjoyed it greatly. It offers a 'whole Bible' view of some of the great questions of life―who we are, why we are here, what God wants, how we should then live. And it does so with a light touch, but strong biblical roots. And the pictures help! A creative and imaginative piece of work, and a stimulating, thought-provoking read." (Christopher J. H. Wright, international ministries director, Langham Partnership)

"In Work, Play, Love Mark Shaw displays the wisdom of a senior theologian and the creativity of a master teacher. Shaw, who has been a seminary professor in the United States and Africa, uses plain language and illustrations to explain important concepts that should shape our lives. He provides a helpful corrective to incorrect aspects of a popular cultural understanding of the Protestant work ethic. This book will help the reader understand the joy and delight God intends for us. The discussion questions are insightful and thought provoking, making this an outstanding choice for small group discussion." (Paul V. Sorrentino, director of religious life, Amherst College)

"Despite the plethora of books on the topic, Shaw ultimately provides a clear guide to balancing life's facets in a way that ultimately honors God and his gifts to us. If you are looking for a book that not only provides valuable insight, but also practical application, Shaw has just what you need." (Hannah Haney, The Echo Taylor University Student Newspaper, October 28, 2014)

Edition details

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 083083673X
• ISBN 13: 9780830836734
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240