Day 3: Call of Duty

Pray

Dear God, thank you for using each of us to build up the church. Thank you that I have unique gifts to contribute. Let me serve you through my work. Make my role in public service a vehicle to unify the body of Christ, impacting others in the world. Give me the grace I need to do this well. Amen. 

Read

Romans 12:4-12

Colossians 3:23

Reflect

Working in public service is more than a job. While many people spend their days in offices, you are frequently in life or death situations, day and night. The demands on you are varied and intense—from people and crises encountered in the field to bureaucracy and politics behind the scenes. Your work requires devotion, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Scripture tells us that we each play a valuable role in the body of Christ. While we serve different functions, each function is necessary. Carrying out your role strengthens the entire faith community. Paul says some people speak, some encourage others, some serve, some teach. But whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Work hard. Perform your duties cheerfully. Love with sincerity. Patiently persist through difficulties.

This same principle can be applied to your work in public service. Your job is an opportunity to apply your spiritual gifts in the public sphere. This can impact people far beyond the community of faith, just as all creation is being brought together in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Approached this way, your work takes on a different focus. Even though your daily tasks are challenging, you work for the Lord and not for people. As you set your mind on Christ, God can renew your fervor and order your decisions.   

Respond

Take a moment to reflect on why you are in public service. What prompted you to pursue this line of work? Did you sense a need or a vocational calling? Now identify some ways you can use your job to build up the whole church. How can serving Christ through your role impact the community of faith and express God’s love to your neighbors?