Vocation

​“Strength as One” is a great class motto.  Attending my 20th West Point reunion was a fresh reminder of a unique gathering of unpretentious classmates who are a joy to be around and a blessing in so many ways.  By measured statistics, the class of ’81 is special both in service to our country and in generosity.  I found myself again humbled that God would allow me, a scrawny missionary kid from the Philippines, the privilege of spending four years of my life with such outstanding people.  

​Meditation
Romans 15:17-- Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus regarding what pertains to God.
 
Twenty years marks for many a change of clothing—the shedding of uniforms for the wear of business attire.  The subject of vocation was a natural topic for us.  In America, our worth is often determined by our job.  But this begs the question who are we truly working for? Often spiritual circles mirror secular circles.  The three most common questions asked in pastor’s conferences are:  1. How big is your church?  2. Are you the senior pastor?  3. How much do you get paid?  How sad that in a sanctuary of shepherds the questions aren’t: “How is your relationship with Christ?  Are you dying to self?  Are you doing what God wants you to do? 
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Jesus said in John 5:36--“But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.” Does the work you do testify that God has sent you?  From Him we derive value in what we do.  When He is our focus, our work, whether pushing brooms or leading legions, brings Him glory.  Someone once said, “There are a lot of Christians who are doing nothing.  But there are no Christians who have nothing to do.”
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I don’t know if the originator of our motto had spiritual connotations in mind.  I do know my prayer is that my class will experience what it means to be one in Christ. As we start new chapters in life I hope many will come to embrace Oswald Chambers’ thought in Making All Things New, “Our vocation is to fulfill the anticipations of God and to become His sons and daughters.”  
 
Inspiration
My long hours working as a childcare provider often tempted me to complain about my job.  Although I didn't know what work God wanted me to do, I was sure it must be something other than “just” babysitting.  Then one day, a father who came to pick up his toddler commented, “You taught Kasey to pray.  She says grace at home now, and my wife and I are thinking of attending church.”  God's direction suddenly became clear.  Now, when others ask what I do for a living, I smile and say, “I ‘just’ babysit for the Lord.”—Linda Clare, Eugene, OR. “Heart to Heart,” Today's Christian Woman
 
©2001 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)