“Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” - 1 Corinthians 7:24
The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. Each of us have a yearning for a perfect situation. We have a longing for the perfect job or ministry. Yet there is nothing perfect in this imperfect world.
The temptation is to pack up and move when things get tough. When there is a barren season of ministry, other harvest fields seem so alluring. Even there, the work can be very demanding.
There are times God does call someone to relocate. He called Abram to leave his home. He called Moses to return to Egypt. He called the Apostle Paul to go to the Gentiles and preach the Gospel. Today, there are some who are called to a mission field in a foreign land. At times, a pastor will be led to go to a new church. The Lord does call some people to change locations and vocations.
Most of us are called to stay where we are at. We are given a harvest field to labor in. Yes, at times it may seem unfruitful. Such a situation requires hard work and diligence. Yet it is important to bloom right where God has planted us.
I've known people who continually change jobs. Every six months or so, they are working someplace new. Others are, what I call, “church hoppers.” They hop from church to church, looking for the most exciting experience or the most “cool” church. They seem to have itching feet, never content to stay at one place very long.
Rather than looking for a new job, perhaps the Lord is challenging you to remain faithful in the job you have. Instead of looking for a bigger ministry, work the harvest field you are in right now. Although you are tempted to find a new church, perhaps you need to be faithful to the church you're currently a member of.
In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” If you're not obedient with the job God has given you, why look for another? If you aren't working for the Lord in the church you're attending now, why go elsewhere? If you aren't a faithful witness for Jesus in your community, why long for the mission field?
Bloom where God has planted you. Be faithful where you are. It could be that, in His timing, God may lead you elsewhere. Perhaps He'll open doors for greater ministry. Maybe He'll lead you to a foreign country as a missionary. One day He may give you a larger church. In the meanwhile, be faithful where you are at.
Joseph probably didn't feel like he was in the right place as he served in Potiphar's house. He certainly didn't feel like he was in the right place when he was falsely accused and thrown in prison. In spite of his horrible circumstances, he remained faithful wherever he was at. Ultimately, everything led to the lofty position of being second in command of Egypt. His faithfulness in the small things led to his faithfulness in larger things. In God's own time, He moved Joseph from the prison to the palace. All along the way, Joseph remained faithful.
Your journey may not lead to a lofty governmental position. Maybe you'll never pastor a mega-church. You may never climb the corporate ladder. It's important to be surrendered to God's will, wherever He may lead. Serve right there where you are at. Until He moves you elsewhere, you need to be faithful where you are.
Bloom where you're planted.
No comments:
Post a Comment