“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God… Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”               – Ephesians 4:11-16

What are some ways that you serve?  As children of God, each of us is called to be a Kingdom worker- serving the Kingdom of God with our time, talents, and treasures.  God calls us to a wide range of both professional and volunteer vocations.  Scripture talks about a wide variety of sacred (inside of the church) roles including the reminder from Ephesians 4 which says, “he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”  Who do you know in a sacred profession?  How does their work glorify God?

We also see God calling people to glorify Him in secular roles.  Many of Jesus’ parables centered around people doing secular jobs like farming, handling money, and building.  In Genesis we see Joseph rise to a position of great power in Egypt.  God uses his vocation in Egypt to save many people, ensuring that there was more enough food to last through a famine.  As far as fulfilling your vocation as a Kingdom worker goes, there are no better or worse jobs- each of them comes with opportunities to speak the Gospel to those around you.  Think of some people you know that work outside of the church.  How do they glorify God in their work?

Scripture gives us several descriptions of what it means to live out this vocation.  One example of this comes from Romans 12 which reads, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1) In this verse we are reminded that every part of what we do should be done in a way that honors God.  This includes our work, our play, and our rest.  As Kingdom workers, the way that we do these things and the language we use when we talk about them should point people back to Jesus.

Another example comes from Colossians 3 which says, “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23). No matter what you are called to- whether that work is sacred or secular, paid or volunteer, done by choice or by requirement- as Kingdom workers, God desires that we work as if we were working directly for Him.  To be a Kingdom worker is to do your best work in the roles that God has called you to, using the time and influence you have to point others to Christ.

Journal

  • What are some future careers I am considering? Why are they on my list? How could I glorify God in those roles?
  • How can I be mindful of faithfully living out my vocation as a Kingdom worker in the roles I currently fill?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, thank you for my vocations.   Please lead and guide me to opportunities to fulfill my role as a Kingdom worker by being a light in the darkness with my words and actions.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.