You stimulate change byway of love.
Your job is love, as 1 Timothy 1:5 says, love that's issued from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
That's your goal. It's what you've been called to do by God. Your position is one of pressure and divine dependance.
Without God, you would called a public speaker and many of you might not even choose that occupation. You'd rather be a business man, a construction worker, or even musicians. But God has seen it fit for you to be speaking publicly, here and now, the Gospel to your world and you have taken up the challenge.
There is honor in that. Great honor.
God has chosen you as His representative. You directly and indirectly represent the almighty, all knowing, all present and all powerful God of the universe. That's insane right?
Between your education, internships, volunteering and employment, you've given years to the calling and house of God. You have sacrificed hours and days, relationships and opportunities, and at times maybe your sanity. But your sacrifice is not in vain.
There is honor in that. Great honor.
Every week, we sit and we listen to you speak; well studied truth and relatable principles God has directed. Some soak it up like a sponge, some criticize in the form of a long email on Monday morning, and others have found the balance between the two.
It's easy to get hung up on the criticizers. But know, they will always exist. The early apostles had them, the great patriarchs and matriarchs of the Church had them. Listen, test their words, discern their hearts and leave the rest behind.
There is honor in that. Great honor.
Your calling is not dependent on the speculations of men, but on the will of God. Not on the whens and ifs of your failures, but on the will of God. (Click to tweet)
I love how Paul says it to the Philippians:
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. (Philippians 3:12-16 MSG)
Let this be the vehicle in which you drive home the Gospel, week after week. Running hard after the heart of God, allowing yourself to slow only long enough to gain perspective.
There is honor in that. Great honor.
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Ps. On a completely personal and surface level note, pick up some flowers for your wife on your way home today. She'll love you for it :) Unless she doesn't like flowers, then go with some Lindt Chocolates.
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This article is part of the DEAR CHURCH SERIES. Click to read the rest of the series.
