Sometimes I feel like Clark Kent. Not because I see myself as the female version of Superman, but because, like him, I work for an office during the day, and at night I work for a mission that feels bigger and more significant than any earthly pursuit.
MY DAY JOB: I am a lawyer, and have worked for law firms, appeared in court, and have advocated for all sorts of people. Today I work for an Ombudsman's office that assists the community through improving industry and resolving disputes. I have a great job. It allows me to contribute to the community. It keeps me intellectually stimulated, it pays my bills, and it gives me the great privilege of working with other great people in the office.
MY NIGHT JOB: As soon as the day is over, I cease working for the Ombudsman and begin my moonlight job. At night, I throw myself into a purpose that is bigger than any earthly pursuit, as a warden at a church called City on a Hill. Wardens are involved in the legal, financial, and governance decisions of a church. Our role is behind-the-scenes and does not involve preaching, teaching, or a huge amount of pastoral care. In fact, out of the 1000 people who attend City on a Hill, only a handful of them will know who we are and what we do on an almost daily basis.
MY MAIN JOB: In both my jobs, I have felt God hone my talents and strengths and allow me to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. But the reality is, not matter what I'm doing during the day or night, God's call remains the same: that in everything I do, my number one job is to serve Him.
You don't have to be a full-time pastor to serve God
“There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
Not every person is called to be a church planter or leader. The Bible is clear that God bestows a different gift on every person, and not every gift is made for church leadership. Jesus' disciples were chosen because they displayed different skills and different talents. Each disciple picked up their cross and followed Him, yet not all of them were called to lead a church.
While we are called to serve and support the body of Christ, it is not necessary to be a preacher or a missionary to make serving God your number one job. You can serve Jesus in a multitude of ways:
- in your career
- your church involvement
- your relationships
- your decisions
- how you live your life
Scripture assures us that there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. So whether you are great in music, or you have the ability to read and decipher contracts, be confident that there are different kinds of service but the same Lord receives them. Be confident that there are different kinds of working, but in all of them it is the same God at work.
Three ways to serve God everyday
1. Serve God by reflecting Jesus at school, in your trade and career
One of our youth leaders, Fiona, works as a Children's Court Lawyer. Once she told a group of students that she relates her profession to what Jesus continues to do for mankind. Fiona saw Jesus as an advocate who stood before a righteous God, calling for the forgiveness of those who call on Him. Fiona said that she, in turn, sees her role as an advocate before a judge, to plea and advocate for the freedom and righteous treatment of the young and oppressed. For Fiona, apart from serving as a youth leader, she serves and reflects Jesus through her role as a lawyer for children.
2. Serve God by loving one another as God has loved us
As Christians we are called not to condemn the world, but to commend Christ. We are servants of God, commanded to love and serve others, and to lay our lives for one another. Don’t be afraid to help that classmate who’s lost their lunch money, or that workmate who can’t figure out how to work the printer. Place God and others before yourself and your earthly needs.
3. Serve God by showing His grace to those who have not received Him
Do not be fearful of showing what or who you stand for at your school, your workplace, and your home. Ask the Spirit to grant you the boldness you need to speak of His love and mercies, and proclaim His goodness to those who have not heard Him.
Remember your bigger purpose
“’For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
The Bible continuously affirms that we have a sovereign God who knew us before we were born. This means we have a God who personally knit us together in our mothers' wombs. This is a God who knows us intimately, who understands our needs, and who identifies with us.
So if you're the customer service person at McDonald's, someone considering a career in law or science, or if you're thinking of a different path altogether, be confident that Jesus identifies with you and has a plan for you. Let Him work in your life and let Him show you how you can best serve Him. He loves you and understands you, and any plan He has for you is for your good and His glory. In God, all things are possible and your future is eternally secure.
You are made for something bigger than this world for He has set eternity in the hearts of men. God’s plan for you is great, for your good, and ultimately for His glory.