How Should We Serve – Part 1
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20
These young men may have casually known who Jesus was, and may have been interested in finding out more. Then one day He walks by, calls them to follow Him, and it just clicks in their heart, “Yes, right idea. Truth.” And they go. And the more they walk with Him the more His love changes them, the sweeter life becomes.
And it is the same with us. Oh, how wonderful are the early days of faith! We are enamored with His love, with the beauty of the Lord expressed through the scriptures and we just want to know Him more and more and live for Him to the fullest extent. We die to ourselves daily as the Holy Spirit prunes us and fills us and calls us closer and deeper into life with God and partnership in His work of love in the world.
Then, often, these Christ-loving followers reach a crossroads. They reach a place where they are honestly trying to determine life’s path. There are so many options, career-wise, open to a person, which involve college, training, focus, and devotion. Young people, that are passionate about their walk with God will grapple with their own heart, praying, seeking counsel, and trying to figure out what God’s best is for them vocationally? And some assume that if they want to serve the Lord they need a career within the church, even though, church jobs, generally, are limited to one of a dozen or so specializations that you may or may not be interested in or gifted for.
It’s at this point that many people get miscast, pursuing jobs in the church that are an awkward fit, just to serve the Lord at the highest level. Instead of doing something they secretly love, whether it’s teaching children or serving tables or running for State Senate, they contort themselves into the church job. And they get in a position where they never fully feel His pleasure.
Remember that our God is a Creator. He makes something from nothing. Observe the product of His creation, the earth in all its fullness, and realize that you, just like a fragrant rose or powerful tiger, are a beautiful, unique, perfect, expression of God's love. His plan for you is equally original and unique. Has God given you an idea? A passion? Go for it! It might not provide an income, but it will provide His pleasure and glory. Just don’t settle, because there are people in life that you will be uniquely positioned to love with the love of Jesus. When the time comes they will need what you have. Whether you do it for a living or not, do it with all your heart as unto the Lord.
Sincerely,
Ed
