Many Occupations, One Vocation
Theme of the Week: Serving with a Passion
Ben Patterson
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: We keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you (2 Thessalonians 1:11). Bonus Reading:2 Thess. 1:3–12
John Wanamaker turned his Philadelphia men's clothing store into the world's first department store with innovations such as price tags, newspaper advertising, money-back guarantees, white sales, and an in-store restaurant.
He went on to become the U.S. postmaster general, but remained very involved in running the Sunday-school program of his church. "How do you get time to run the Post Office and the Sunday school too?" he was asked.
He answered, "Why, the Sunday school is my business! All other things are just things. I decided 45 years ago God's promise was sure: 'Seek first the kingdom of God … and all these things will be added unto you.'"
This is an example of what it means to place vocation before occupation. Contrary to the way the word is often used today, the word vocation should refer to our calling to be God's people, His servants and priests in the world. We need the additional word occupation to refer to our work. Therefore we Christians can have many different occupations, but just one vocation.
How are you doing with making the distinction between these parts of life?
—Ben Patterson in Serving God by What We Do
My Response: How could I show my Lord I place vocation ahead of occupation?
Thought to Apply: Service is the rent we each pay for living. It is not something to do in your spare time; it is the very purpose of life.
—Marian Wright Edelman
Adapted from Wired to Work (Huntington, 2001) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
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Thank you, Lord, for creating me to play a unique role in your Kingdom. Guide me to fruitful service in that role.
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