Recently the vehicle I drive ran beyond the recommended service schedule for its mileage plan. This compromises the expected maintenance standards of the vehicle and a tests its durability and the comfort and safety it provides on the road. The delay was due to factors beyond my control and emergency calls where I had limited alternative options. How often have you found yourself under difficult situations that lead to similar kinds of compromise on the resource entrusted in your care and responsibility?
All humanity is created in God’s image. We have been endowed with different gifts to provide a service in the Kingdom. In the same way I have the licence and skill to drive, we can find ourselves with various skills for our calling and placement.
Each one of us is called into work in public or private service sectors. This can be for profit or non-profit. What is critical is the attention and intentionality given to the call, being there at the right placement, with the right gifting, to do the right thing and right motivation to serve. Oftentimes in the fallen world, the very valuable tools to enable our service, have been diverted, standards compromised, taken captive and used against the mission for which we are called to renew, restore and rebuild.
The current socio-economic, political, environmental, technological and legal (PESTEL) aspects cause a great challenge to the integrity and commitment to the call to serve with the purpose God demands of us. Paul argues this in the Book of Romans 12:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Against all odds in life Godly service demands sacrifice, full understanding of who has called us to this ministry at such a time and place. Are you ready to take up the challenge to become the Biblical example of Mordecai and Esther? Or the example of Joshua?
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! - Joshua 24:15-16
Living for justice demands that we emulate the commitment demonstrated by Joshua and solemn vow by the peoples. This should motivate us to influence others around us to serve with a purpose. For we know a heavenly reward awaits us in eternity. Maybe you’ll think more about the resources entrusted to you the next time you get your car serviced!
Photo provided by the author.
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