Despite the current propaganda about jobs, men and women are still being laid off daily. And as this occurs, we sometimes forget that for each person jobless, it represents a household whose life has been put on hold. It represents a son who can't play Little League, a daughter missing piano lessons, or a wife cutting back, so her family can eat. It is people whose lives are changed because of a fiscal situation, one that comes with no ending date, and no real assurances of how they will struggle through it. It means raiding the savings, if they have one, and cancelling the vacations. Looking out for each other rather than looking out for themselves, and reaching deep within, without realizing it and seeing what their character really is. It means going without, and being humbled, in a society that prides itself on pride, and on ourselves. Look at any group picture, and the one you look for first is yourself. Human nature. Listen for the list of names being called, and you can hear yours above the noise. And now in trying times, we are being called to look out for others, and listen to them.
When I encounter men who have lost their jobs, often times they initially are complaining. They tell how much they miss their jobs, and what are they going to do. And although I feel for them, the question I ask tells me more about them than they wish to let us know. "Do you miss your job, or do you miss the paycheck?" And at first I was surprised to hear they missed the paycheck. But almost without fail, they all answer the same. They don't miss the job, they miss the paycheck. They were only working towards an end, and if no compensation was involved, wouldn't have done it. And some were doing it for many years. And I find that a certain sadness comes over me when I hear that. Four years of college, a Masters Degree, climbing the corporate ladder, and achieving success. When the whole time their career was hanging in the balance. And all that matters was the paycheck? Which by the way, is never enough. Ever talk to anyone who was making too much? Didn't pay enough taxes? Or just wanted to give it all away, they had reached their goals and dreams?
Yet today, among the uncounted in the working classes, are a group of men and women who have devoted their lives to their life's calling. They are called missionaries, and they place their job, their vocation, and their lives way above any compensation. I know men and women who were teachers, and quit to minister. I have met six figure CEO's who gave it up to volunteer, and found out that no money could satisfy the compensation found in serving. These men and women, along with their families work unusual, and long hours. Often without even minimum wage compensation, or benefits. But it is the calling, and their obedience in trusting God that makes them a success. And I contrast two people here.
Father Al had a young man, very credentialed, approach him at the Flight 93 Memorial Chapel at Shanksville. This man told Fr. Al how he wanted to serve, and how he felt God was leading him there. Thinking this man may be an answer to his prayers, he interviewed the man.
"How much is the salary?" the candidate asked. "There is no salary, we live on donations, and trust God," was the answer.
"How about benefits?" There again none. And sadly, the man left, he had been looking for a position with pay, rather than a ministry and being compensated by God. Even sadder is the fact he will find what he is looking for. Such are the ways when the world invades the church.
The other is about Mother Teresa. Being interviewed in an insect ridden, bug infested hospital in India, with dysentery the norm, the reporter exclaimed, "I wouldn't do what you're doing for a million dollars." To which she replied, "Either would I." For unlike the professional servant, her heart was linked to God, and any compensation would be paltry compared to what the world has to offer.
Remember these missionaries in your prayers today. And us local guys, too. Choosing to follow God upsets your career goals, can wipe out your 401k, and make your family think you have gone crazy. But God offers something that no income can provide-security. A peace that surpasses understanding. For when you are truly called by God, He provides for you. Jesus told His disciples to only take what they have on them, He will provide food and a place to sleep. Not always the Hilton, like some ministries have gotten used too. Sometimes a Motel 6 is a huge upgrade. Where a three course meal is when you Supersize the fries. But we never starve, and you won't see God's called ones begging. In His economy, He raises up those with money and things needed to provide for others, thus blessing both the giver and the receiver. Find that one in a book on economics. Some skills only prepare you for a job, but God prepares you for a life. The number one skill involved-obedience. Trust God and watch how He will use you. And as the Bible tells us, you can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead.
Listen to God and invest in these servants today. Be a blessing and be blessed. And if that still small voice is telling you to serve-obey it. Do we miss our regular paychecks? Of course, but we would never go back to what it cost us to get them. Out of a job, God is always hiring. Your decision, is it about the job, or is it about the paycheck? We will know your character by the decision you make. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord!
For what do you have that God has not provided?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com