Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Mid-Week Message - What or Who?

 "My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  Galatians 2:20  (NLT)

Every child gets asked the same question at some point in their life.  "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Do you remember?  What was your answer?  

From the time children are very small, we begin preparing them to take a role in society.  Attempting to ignite ambition in their lives, we introduce them to the various professions such as fire fighters, police, doctors, nurses, teachers, etc.  Schools have career days when various professionals visit to describe what their job is like.  We want our children's lives to be fulfilling and for them to contribute something positive to the world.  

What did you grow up to be?  Did you stay true to what you wanted to be as a child or did you change your mind and go into another field?  

The big question I have for you is this, "Are you fulfilled?  Is your life what you thought it would be or what you wanted it to be?"  

I believe we are emphasizing the wrong idea.  Rather than focusing on WHAT our children are to become, we need to concentrate on WHO they should be.  

Paul was a tent maker.  Now, I don't know if he wanted to grow up to be a tent maker, but that was his profession.  However, as you read the Scriptures, how often do you read about how happy he was with his job?  No.  Paul's mind was on Christ and who he was in Christ.  He knew that as a follower of Jesus, he was to take on Christ-like qualities.  His mind, his body, his focus was to be in line with his Savior.  

We all have a place in life that God has chosen for us to occupy.  The bulk of my working years were spent as a school secretary in a Christian school.  I did all the duties that were required, but I looked at my position as a ministry.  I was once told by a superior that my first obligation was to the job I was hired to do.  My reply was that I believed God had placed me in that position to minister to the young souls and their parents that frequented my office.  I saw very early on that hearts were more important than paperwork.

This world needs police, teachers, plumbers and electricians.  Certainly we should choose our vocations wisely, using our talents and interests as guides.  My point is that the only way to be truly satisfied in what we choose is to allow the Lord to be present and active so that, besides doing the job, we reach hearts and souls for Him.   

Are we teaching our children to pursue their own goals or are we pointing them to their Creator and encouraging them to get to know Him and to follow where He leads?  True fulfillment comes through the work of the Spirit.  If we want the best for them, then we need to school them in the qualities that truly matter - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  God bless.  



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