Sunday, June 7, 1998
Sunday, June 7, 1998
Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel!
Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (I Samuel 3:10
NRSV)
What kind of attitude do we have about our work and the things we do in life? We may
not like our boss or our working situation. We may not have much control over what
we do. But, we do have control over our attitude. A positive attitude can make a big
difference. And if we view our work and activities as a calling, then maybe someone for
the first time may experience God's love and freedom in Jesus Christ through us.
Our jobs can be a vocation if we can see them as an extension of God's ultimate
purpose. But, if our jobs are only a means of securing wealth, or passing time, or
achieving status, they will eventually be a great burden to us. If, however, we can see
them as an extension of God's plan for humanity--each of us doing our part to clothe
people, feed people, teach people, and do thousands of other things to help one another,
then we make God's world a better place. And we can get up each morning with
enthusiasm believing that we are living God's call.
In our scripture reading today, Samuel was being called to be a priest of God. There may
be some of us today who are hearing God's call to full-time Christian service. However,
for most of us, we are being called to make our work an extension of our faith and love.
Prayer: Loving God, help me to make my work a vocation in serving you and your
people Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA