November 7

Resolute in Our Vocations

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

The day after the Boston Red Sox wins a World Series game, which happens frequently, the team and their supporters are the only ones celebrating on the day after. However, today, many have won seats in politics and are celebrating. Politics is unique in that there is almost an equal number of winners and losers today, with a few more on the loser’s side. But I think that not all of those who did not win the election are indeed losers if they contributed to a dialogue that brought local or state-wide issues to the forefront in their Midterm campaigns. And it may be the same for us, in all the areas of our lives, where we want to see improvement. Change often happens slowly, over time, in small increments, which is why we must be committed and unbending, working according to God’s will.

We are reminded of the vocation God has given believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, “…to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves…admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Our politicians need our prayers according to this passage, especially those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ and are serving in government as their God-directed vocation. All believers are called to this vocation of serving the Lord, in one way or another, in a secular job or business, in philanthropic work, or ministry. It is only when our bodies refuse to function that we must stop serving and yield to the Lord’s calling, one day at a time. * Throughout our lives our hearts are to be firmly fixed on Christ and the infinite future we will have with him when this life is over. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-20-28, 42-49.)

What is your work in the Lord and how can you be more resolute in your faith? Many political winners today are facing radical changes in their vocations as a result of winning new positions in government service. Others, who made campaigning their full-time work, will be starting new careers or jobs. Like them, we ought to look at our lives as newly dedicated to the work of the Lord. Will we?

* An interesting article entitled, “What does Christian vocation look like for the elderly?” can be found at https://www.christiancentury.org/article/features/what-does-christian-vocation-look-elderly