Pastor's Desk
July 2, 2006
WHEN WE WERE called to salvation, it was a calling out of darkness into the light. We became citizens of heaven. The scriptures describe it as a heavenly calling, an upward calling and a calling to a hope in Christ. But this calling has not physically removed us from the world nor has it made our work in the world obsolete. And that is as it should be. The apostle Paul addresses this matter when he spoke to the slaves who became Christians. He gave this advice: "Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave.You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men." (1 Corinthians 7:20-23) The general principle is clear. When you become a Christian you do not necessarily change your career. If you were a businessman before, you are now a Christian businessman. If you were a teacher, you are now a Christian teacher. If you were a childcare worker, you are now a Christian childcare worker. This means that Jesus is now your ultimate boss. This has several implications: he wants you to do a good job for him where you are; he wants you to live a holy life where you work; and he sends you to your work place to bear witness to him. But there is also a benefit. God will bless your work so that the blessing that is on you will overflow into your workplace. In this way, your associates, employers or employees will get a taste of the goodness of God and perhaps themselves respond to the call to salvation.
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"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men,"
This page was last updated on Friday, June 30, 2006