For most people who grew-up here in the South the phrase “full-time Christian service” is probably at least somewhat familiar. We hear of people often who claim they have been called into this. For many of us, and I will transparently include myself in this group, those who are called into this “full-time Christian service” have been perceived to be at least spiritually, a notch above the rest of us out here earning our living among the commoners.
However, as I have grown in my understanding of God and who He is and His actual purpose for my life and the lives of all those who are His children; I am struck by the realization that every child of God is in “full-time Christian service,” we just don’t all happen to stand in a pulpit each Sunday and Wednesday. God has, in fact, before the beginning of time, appointed the work that He has for each of us. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God may not have equipped everyone to be a pastor, music leader or foreign missionary, but He has, before time, began called and equipped us to be working in the marketplace where people from all stages of life cross our paths on a daily basis with many physical and spiritual needs. God has strategically placed us in such a way that we are able to reach those who might never darken the door of a church. Thus the reason that God tell us in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Regardless of where you work or what you do, your service is to God for His glory and in serving Him with excellence. The Gospel is made evident to many and the kingdom is expanded not on Sundays only, but every single day in our office, and your place of business, and everywhere on Earth God has placed His people in full-time service to Him. Let us join the cry of Moses in Psalms 90:16-17 -- May Your work be shown to Your servants, and Your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands— establish the work of our hands!