Sent to Serve
“Have to” or “sent” ? I believe, far too often, we view our daily activities as more of a burden than an opportunity. Here’s what i mean…take “work” for example … we say things like, “I wish I didn’t haveta go to work” … “ I don’t mind my job, I just hate the drive” … and many times, we’ll anticipate problems before we’ve even SEEN the job at hand. It’s a pessimistic, negative attitude that’s detrimental to our physical health, mental health and spiritual health. By deciding in our hearts that “work” is more of a burden than an opportunity, we’ve devalued the very appointment God set up for us that day. The ride to work could be our best opportunity to pray for those that we’ve been assigned by God to lift up…to encourage. They may not know it, but they’ll definitely feel it ! God’s just been waiting on us to intercede for them. If it’s a health issue, pray for physical healing … If it’s their ride, pray for their transportation issues to be blessed … If it’s a job opportunity, pray that God will fill the spot. There’s SO many different situations and circumstances that call for the prayers of the righteous ( James 5:16 )…and God’s just waiting for His sons and daughters ( His “appointed” ) to accept the appointment and pray for those people and their needs. What about that opportunity at the store to just smile and say, “ Jesus loves you” or “ May God bless you” ? How many times does God haveta prompt us before we ACT on that prompting ?! His Spirit wants air, too … we need to be lettin Him “out” more, and not keepin Him to ourselves ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 ) . And WHAT ABOUT that job He’s given you ? Why view it in a negative manner and always complain about it ? If it’s where God’s planted / placed you…”sent” you…look at it as another opportunity to serve in whatever capacity He wants you to ! If we’d ALL remember that we’re working for HIM and not just for some human, maybe we’d accept the calling a little more graciously…thankful to be entrusted with such a responsibility ( Colossians 3:23-24 ) ! I believe with every new day, God has already assigned us opportunities to serve … I believe He’s also heard and seen the attitude of our hearts, knowing if we’ll accept the job with a willing spirit …or…we’ll do it with griping and complaining. How would it make you feel, as an employer, if your employees came to work with downcast faces, sullen attitudes and an unwillingness to be the salt and light that you implanted in them ? So, how do you think God feels ? Start anew, each morning … pray thanking God for another opportunity to serve ! Anticipate the GOOD THINGS that’ll come from the day … and see through the eyes of Christ the needs around you ! Somebody needs encouraging … somebody needs a hand … somebody needs the benefit of the talents that God’s gifted you with ! Be the one that quashes the negativity around you ! Bless the Lord’s heart by your gratefulness and joy ! Being called by God and sent by God for duty, oughta be viewed a privilege…not a burden. Lord, whatever comes our way today, help us to see it through your eyes. Give us the energy and gifts to do you a good job with it. And Lord, we call you “Lord” for a reason … YOU’RE the BOSS ! Help us to be good employees…in your eyes. In Jesus’ name we thank you for employing us… Amen.