Martin Luther challenged the medieval idea that only priests, monks, and nuns possessed a divine call. He said that just as people are made right with God by salvation in Jesus, they’re also called to serve Him in whatever jobs they do. In this way “the entire world [will] be full of service to God, not only the churches but also the home, the kitchen, the cellar, the workshop, and the field of townsfolk and farmers.”
So how can you know what Jesus has called you to do? Begin with the relationships in your church and home. These primary callings are too valuable to receive a paycheck. It would be wrong for my pastor to give me a kickback for bringing visitors to church. And I wouldn’t accept it if my wife tried to pay me for being a good husband. We need to remember this if we lose our jobs. We may be unemployed, but our most important callings do not change.
Next, look at your circumstances. Where are you in life? What neighborhood do you live in? What school or community do you belong to? Jesus has placed you there for a purpose—to serve Him by serving others. As God told His people living in Babylon, “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).
Finally, consider your career. Your present work may not be your dream job, but if it’s honorable and meets your needs as well as the needs of those you’re responsible for, then it’s your divine calling as long as you remain there. Do it with all your heart, as if you were serving Jesus Himself (Colossians 3:23-24). And thank Him for His provision of your work!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 13:24-43
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 to learn how you can serve Jesus in anything He calls you to do.
Next:
Are you dissatisfied with your present calling? How can you continue to work enthusiastically for Jesus? What possibly needs to change?
Gary Shultz on July 10, 2016 at 6:39 am
Mike, simplifying life is a good thing and I do believe God wants us to grow where we are planted. He wants us, as you say about Luther, to be everywhere, in every walk of life. Why would He not? I used to get all ramped up about, am I doing the right thing, should I be looking for something else? I finally figured, God is big enough to place me where He wants me and He is able to get me a message if I should move/change. Now I can just go about life without all the wonder and take each day as what the Lord has given me, here and now. I just wish I would have learned that much earlier. Thanks Mike
gagirllive on July 10, 2016 at 7:39 am
A great word today, Mike. Everyday ordinary things become a holy calling when we offer them to the Lord. I found out a while ago that God was far more interested in who I am than what I do. Our calling in life is to bring Him glory. That will be packaged in many different ways, but the quality of the content is what God’s after. My attitude and motive behind the things I do will be considered more than the work itself. I used to whine about doing great things for God. Now everything I do, I try to do with greatness for the praise of His glory. And I must say it’s been very liberating! Thanks, Mike. Grace and peace to you on this Lord’s Day.
alexaoj on July 10, 2016 at 8:50 am
Paul’s letter to the Philippians reminds us …”for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content 4:11. God knows where He has placed us and He promises to meet all our needs. 4:19. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I have to keep reminding myself that the Lord knows what He is doing in my life. Keep praying and trusting. He makes no mistakes we do, and yet His love for us never changes. What a mighty God we serve.