Has God directed you to a job where you interact with unsaved people on a regular basis? What a blessing! He has chosen you to be His ambassador in a situation for which He has designed you to excel!
Rather than buy in to carnal attitudes—“Working for the weekend”, “Monday again?!”, or even “They can’t pay me enough to make this worthwhile!”—let us choose to abound in this realm also!
Romans 12:1-2 contain principles that are applicable to every walk of life, but the focus of this article is especially for those ladies, young and old, who find God’s plan for them to include a job outside the home.
A living sacrifice:
Our bodies are to be a living sacrifice. What first comes to mind is Matthew 28:19-20 (Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…). One preacher described the meaning of this verse as “going, as you go.” Romans 6:13 says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God.” As you are going, are you actively submitted to the will of God? In the background of your focus on the details of your to-do list, does the praise of your dear Savior echo in your mind, the evidence of time spent alone with Him? This mindset is definitely not a static position but a constant ebb and flow as we constantly remind ourselves to stay our minds on Christ. But no matter how quickly your thoughts stray from that singleness of mind, seek always to point its attentions back to Him Who is all you need. Like a habit, it becomes more of a default setting as it is practiced oftener.
Holy:
“Being real” is often extolled as a virtue. According to the Urban Dictionary, “being real” not only includes just plain honesty, but “being authentic about where you have not been authentic”. Too often, however, “keeping it real” can be an excuse to allow ourselves to relax our efforts toward excellence. What does God have to say? He uses the word “holy”; He says “be ye holy; for I am holy” (see 1 Peter 1:15-16 and Lev. 11:44). By definition, “holy” means “whole, entire, or perfect” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary). How easy it is to create standards at work based on what our boss expects or what our co-workers produce! Instead, we have a higher calling—holiness!
Acceptable unto God:
This statement can be an enigma at first glance. Are we not acceptable unto God in Christ? But this word also means “well-pleasing, agreeable” (Strong’s Dictionary). Just like a parent’s love, the love of God toward His children never wanes. As we present ourselves a living sacrifice, however, the condition of the vessel which we present to our Father affects the extent to which He may use us.
Which is your reasonable service:
God does not give us giant applause when we do what He has asked. Rather, He has already given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) and makes available “peace that passeth all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). Obedience is merely our humble response to His amazing love! So next time you get a little grumbly about being a living sacrifice (whether at home or at work), remind yourself of your great Savior’s love and rejoice in Him!
To be continued…
Laura started attending Lehigh Valley Baptist Church as a child when her family moved to the area. For years, her primary passion was in nursing and furthering her education. In the midst of pursuing a medical degree, God changed her plans and she married Jonathan Snow (read their story here). Now, she has discovered a special fulfillment from being a wife and a mother! Truly, God’s ways are always for our good and for His glory.
Comments 1
Thanks for keeping it real Laura! 😉 We need such encouraging reminders.