Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

Priesthood of all Believers
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Stacy Daniel
St John's MTC, New York

vs 15b: always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
In a recent church meeting, Achen asked us to think about us fulfilling the will of God and what our personal conviction was.  An accountant in the group immediately pointed to a doctor saying, it's easier for him (the doctor) to fulfill the will of God when compared to himself.  The idea behind the saying was because the doctor is in a “helping profession” and an accountant, is not.
 
Yet, God reminds us in His Word to, “acknowledge those who work hard amongst you”.  He has blessed us with the jobs we have today or maybe is preparing us for our future careers.  Our conviction comes when we recognize that our jobs are not self picked but are a part of God’s plan.  Recognizing this, we should seek guidance from the Lord, in each  work task, project, patient, client, we come across and ask what is God asking us to do here? How can we share God’s love today?

While being a doctor, priest, social worker, teacher, counselor, etc, may appear to be a more helpful profession, all professions are necessary for God’s kingdom and there are numerous  opportunities to share God’s love in areas like finance, the corporate world, construction, retail, etc.    
 
Another area this passage takes us to, is the reality of negativity in the workplace.  Some of us may be in a workplace where our co-workers are idle, disruptive, disheartened, weak. There may be some who pay back wrong for wrong.  This passage reminds us of our purpose in such places.  We are called to live in peace with each other (v13), warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened and help the weak (v14)”.  We are called to pray continually and give thanks in all things.  That is God's will for us.  
 
As Christians in the workplace, our calling is clear in terms of directives, but difficult to carry out.  Let us be reminded that the challenging situations we face today may be the sole reason God has provided us this opportunity and placed us where we are today.  Let us strive to do what is good for each other and encourage our brothers and sisters with God’s  love.     

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, use us to do Your will today and equip us for the challenges ahead of us.  Help us to spread Your love and do good for others. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus used Zacchaeus, a tax collector, for His will, He can use us too.





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