There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I was attending a public event recently, when a woman standing next to me noticed my badge and exclaimed, “Oh! You work for (name of organization redacted)? That is such a fantastic organization.” She then inquired about my role. After explaining my role, I added a statement that comes naturally to me, “I feel so grateful to be doing something I love at this stage in my life. I am exactly where God wants me to be.” Instantly, I noticed a shadow cross her face. She became very somber, looked deeply into my eyes, and said, “How I envy you. I have never felt that way about my work, ever!” What saddened me about this conversation, was that she appeared to be much older than I was, yet this was her confession in the waning years of her life.
In the everyday flurry that we call life, have you ever stopped to critically reflect on whether you like your job? Does it bring you fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment? Do you feel called to do what you are doing? Perhaps we do not all have the luxury of choosing what we do today, but with God, it is always about the journey and always about growth. Moses was a shepherd before he became a leader; Joshua was an assistant before he stepped into Moses’ shoes, Jesus was a student in the temple before he became the teacher and miracle worker that we know him to be. The commonality here was the Spirit working God’s work in all of them. That same Spirit is in all of us who serve God today, whatever our role.
Whatever your gift, God wants you to use it for his glory. You are part of his great orchestra, and the symphony cannot go on without you. What you do is ordained by God. What you do matters to the whole. May that knowledge alone, bring you satisfaction and fulfillment whether you are pushing a broom or sitting in a boardroom.
Dear God, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Lead me to put them to the best use for you glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.