
“…Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying unto Him, Lord, trouble not Thyself, for I am not worthy that Thou should enter under my roof; Wherefore neither thought myself worthy to come unto Thee; but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed Him, I say unto you, I have not found so great Faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.”
Luke 7:6-10
As a society we need teachers, doctors, engineers, nurses, bus drivers, clerks, salespeople, etc., to make our economy and even God’s economy work. Imagine the impact on our economy, if as part of our everyday work-life Godly principles were a central part of our daily work. Imagine the difference it would make in dealing with your boss, co-workers, and clients. We would actually practice the principles of Jesus Christ on a daily basis, in a place where we and those around us, need it the most. In addition, all aspects of our work life would be based in ethics, integrity, empathy, and respect.
There is a fallacy among newly committed Christians concerning their commitment to church work. Sometimes, when we become newly committed Christians, we convince ourselves that we must work for the church full-time. We somehow feel we should give up the purpose we were created to work full-time in Church service or ministry; not fully understanding that, our full-time work can become our ministry. And, if we are working within a career that is our calling, it should be our ministry.
One of the most powerful acts of Faith in the Bible came from the Roman Centurion in today’s passage who asked Jesus to heal his servant. As Jesus approached the Centurion’s home, the Centurion replied "...but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed." We often speak about his Faith prior to this encounter; however, just imagine how he conducted his army after this encounter!
Yes, utilize your gifts and talents within the church; however, remember that you are an ambassador of Christ, and all that you do must reflect your calling. L.
Study Reference: Luke 7:1-10
From:"A Working Ministry." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Tahir Juakali