Sunday, August 17, 2014

Morning Reflections - Christian Calling

So many times I think we get really messed up about the terms "Christian Calling."  We always seem to think that this means that God has placed a dramatic call on someone's life to be a paid minister, priest or preacher.  Or we think in these terms only when someone is coming forward to be set apart, consecrated, commissioned and ordained to do full time missionary work.

Consider these words from Charles R. Swindoll: "When you have a sense of calling, whether it's to be a musician, soloist, artist, in one of the technical fields, or a plumber, there is something deep and enriching when you realize it isn't just a casual choice, it's a divine calling. It's not limited to vocational Christian service by any means."

I have no doubt that if we are rigorously honest with ourselves, we can bring to mind folks from every imaginable field that fit this bill.  That special teacher that just had a gift to be able to teach us that subject that we had a hard time grasping when no one else could.  That mechanically gifted individual that was able to help us by quickly and accurately diagnosing the issues with our vehicles.  That doctor or nurse that treated us like a real human being rather than just another number on a list.  We could go on indefinitely, I'm sure.

How about today we give thanks for all of those folks who live into their callings.

Today's prayer - Holy God, we give thanks that your callings are individual.  While we all are called to faithfulness and Christian service, your individual divine calling is as diverse as the cosmos itself.  Today, Lord, we give thanks for all those living into their divine calling.  We thank you for the police officers, firefighters, teachers, plumbers, machinists, construction workers, engineers, accountants and all that we can bring to mind who are living out their divine calling in your grace.  We give you thanks, praise your faithfulness, and celebrate the generosity of gifts you pour into our lives.  Amen.

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