Marketplace Workn'

As Christians we tend to think that our work in the marketplace is just what we are doing until we are able to get to the mission field, to the pulpit or work in the church. It is just a necessary evil until we are established enough to go.

I beg to differ. I would suggest that though these things are noble, they are not the higher calling. The higher calling is held by the man or woman who gets up every morning, often before they want to, gets dressed, eats breakfast, spends some time with God and goes to work for eight to ten hours every day. And does this day after day and year after year. All the while thinking that if they could just get to the “real” work of actually working for God it would make their life worth something. Oh my dear friend if only you could see yourself as God sees you.

Do you honestly think that you don’t plant a thousand seeds a day into the lives of those around you? Don’t you know that as the world continues to follow the darkness your light gets brighter? Every single person you meet has a story. In this world ruled by the darkness those stories are often filled with pain and tragedy. But each one of them still get up in the morning. Your kindness to them is one glimpse of the light. A pastor may have his flock that he under-shepherds for God, but you have the whole world as your flock. Each person you touch during the day is being touched by God himself. You take the glory of Him wherever you go. Each time you hold a door open, do a kindness, say an apt word or give up a seat to someone else, you bring light into the darkness.

You say “that’s nothing” I could do so much more “out there”. In your economy, yes you could. You could change the lives of a couple hundred villagers by figuring out where to dig the well and raising the funds to do it. And it would seem like you were finally doing something “for God”. But who would be taking care of the flock you left behind? Who would pray for your co-workers. Who would encourage Patrick when he’s having a rough day. Who would be there when illness strikes Joan and she needs help getting her things to her car? Who would cover these people with the light of God? Who would show your cube-mate who is living in some serious sin that the light does not condemn them? I guarantee somebody in their life is quick to pass them over as judged and guilty. How could God bring blessing to the company if you were not there? Without you it is just one more island of darkness that needs the light but has no one to bring it. Which do you think is higher in God’s economy?

We see our lives as so much smaller than they really are here on earth. You want to have big adventures? Ask God to show you opportunities to bring His light into the places you go. The smallest things are of great value. Do you think the widow’s mite was only about money? No, every time you touch the world with the light you bear you are leaving a mark. It may look small to you, but it is huge to Him.

What if you took seriously that every person you interact with on a day-to-day basis belongs to you and God together? How would that change the way you look at life? How would it change how you interact? Your flock can only be shepherded by you, for you are the only one who can touch their lives in the way God has made you. He didn’t make us all the same because He needs His light to shine in billions of different ways to touch every life on this planet. You are part of that, right where you are - doing the things you do, saying the things you say, touching lives with His light and loving your flock with Him.

Open your eyes light-bearer and see the vastness of the work before you. Take hold of the hand of God and walk with Him through your day. Ask for His eyes, His ears and His heart. See the people you and He carry and ask Him how you can help. I promise He will not fail to show you.

#newyear #resolutions #old