Jesus spent the largest portion of His life doing patient, careful work in the carpenter’s shop. For the greatest portion of His life, Jesus was unknown to the world, working alongside the most common craftsmen. Jesus fulfilling His mission in life both while He was working in the unassuming role of a carpenter as He was when He was walking on water and healing the sick. Because of this, we know that whatever we end up doing, no matter how humble the task, we can be working alongside Jesus.
Paul tells the Corinthians, “Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you” (1 Corinthians 7:24). Those involved in business of any kind can choose to conduct their dealings in a way that will glorify God and shine with integrity. As true followers of Jesus, they will carry religion into every task and activity in order to show others Jesus’ character. The mechanic or technician can model the character and life of Jesus, who walked the region of Galilee as a common man. Everyone who calls them self a Christian—or a follower of Christ—should work in such a way that others will notice and so that God may be glorified through their lives.
Some people have not taken responsibility in places where their gifts can be used effectively because they see others using the same gifts better than they can. This causes people looking from the outside to believe that only the most skilled and talented are expected to use their gifts for God, while the less talented are not needed. This leads to the belief that talents are only given to a select group of elite people and that those who seem to not have any talents are not required to serve. However, Jesus tells a parable with a different implication. (Mark 13:34). This parable tells us that every one of Jesus’ followers has a role and a task to do. When Jesus, the Master calls the servants together, He gave tasks to each person.
With a loving spirit, we can serve in the lowest positions of society and be serving others like we are serving God Himself. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23). If God’s love is in our hearts, it will shine out in our lives no matter what the task is that we are doing. With God in our hearts, we will be an uplifting presence to everyone we meet.
We must not wait for the right occasion or for any external empowerment or skill training before we begin serving others for God. Do not even come close to thinking about what the world will think of you when you step out. With a pure and sincere daily life, others will see your humility and integrity and they will realize and know that you want to help them in every way possible. Even if they think you strange, your life’s testimony is not lost.
The poorest and shyest disciple of Jesus can bless others too. We may not realize that we are doing anything special, but our unconscious influence on others will spread like ripples on a pond. We may never see how big of an impact we have before reaching heaven. The little tasks and the seemingly insignificant conversations that take place each day may become more than we realize. The pressure to succeed in life is not necessary. All that is necessary is to take small steps forward, simply touching the individuals that the Holy Spirit brings our way, and our lives can be called successes. By obeying God, and following the Holy Spirit’s prompts, we will grow into the image of Jesus, and working with Jesus here on earth is preparation for when we will work together with Him in the new earth.
Next week, we will begin to look at how we can learn more about God through the gifts and blessings that He has given us as we long to increase our Knowledge of God.
~Cam
P.S. As always, if I missed something, or if you would like to respond on this topic, join the conversation below!