God Speaking

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” (1 Corinthians 12:5 – 6)

When I was young there were very clear perceptions about types of jobs. You were never in doubt about what being a nurse meant. You certainly knew the role teachers played. Doctors of course were revered for their wisdom about the body, manual workers were admired because their muscles showed all too clearly their occupation, but today the perceptions become very blurred. My husband and his brother were discussing this problem in regard to the jobs their respective daughters were now participating in, one in a Global Marketing Company, one in overseeing managers in a High Technical Computer Company. Both my husband and his brother had to confess that neither of them had any idea of what their daughters actually did to earn their high salaries. I have shared this problem with friends of the same age as I am, and many confess they too are at a loss to describe what the very impressive job titles of their children mean.

I was thinking about this the other day when I was reading Paul’s letter to the Corinthians where he was reminding the church at Corinth that once we belong to the Lord we become part of his service. (1 Corinthians 12:5 – 6) In fact we all have jobs to do that will benefit the body of Christ and to bring others into the kingdom. So what are the jobs in the kingdom? Once we read the list Paul has recorded in Romans we are certainly not in doubt as to what is entailed when the Lord chooses us to join his workforce.

“so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching let him teach. If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:5 – 8)

Faithfulness to the common cause is the common denominator for all the work listed here and a requisite for any task before we embark on serving the Lord. The wonderful news for these job situations is that the Master provides all the skills we will need to accomplish what the Lord has set before us. This is such a liberating thought.

“so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)

The other comforting thought lies in this promise that God is working along beside us.

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field; God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)

The fact that first he gives each one of us special gifts, and then works right beside us, gives us the confidence to exercise those gifts, to become more proficient at using them to bring him the glory. Finding just the right job description is available for all of us through his word and seeking his guidance through prayer. Some of us mistakenly think that we have no special gift or that our gift somehow does not match up to others, but we are assured that God has blessed each one of his children with exactly the right gift to fit our personality.

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)

We don’t need any impressive titles to signify that we are part of the Lord’s work force and the rewards outweigh any huge salary. A simple prayer, “Dear Lord, show me the gift you have given me to bring you glory.” will result in the highest reward of all when we hear this whisper;

“..Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)

Related Articles:

· Using our Gifts And Talents (http://inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com/2013/12/22/using-our-gifts-and-talents/)