When people ask me, “What do you do?” I have to work up my courage to say, “I’m a preacher.”
Responses vary, depending on the context and any previous interactions.
Usually it is, “Oh!” and they back away with all manner of throat clearing.
What I should say is this: “I am a minister of the Word of God, a steward of the Gospel, an ambassador of God, one who makes known the message of reconciliation, and I tell people how to be eternally happy!”
But I’m way more than this!
I’m a man, husband, father, son, brother, neighbor, citizen, friend, and yes, a pastor.
You see, God’s calling on our lives is more than our jobs or the answer to the question, “What do you do?” God wants us to understand that our calling in life is much more than our day jobs; in fact, our whole life is set apart to serve him in many different ways.
In the beginning, God made a garden. He placed Adam, the first man, in that garden to cultivate and protect it, as well as to name the animals. He had quite the day job!
God also called Adam to be a partner in marriage, a father to children, and to spread the glory of God to the ends of the earth (see Genesis 1 & 2).
How would you introduce yourself?
Maybe for some, your answer is “I’m a lady, wife, mom, grandmom, woman of the church, neighbor, citizen, friend, and my day job is such and such.”
For others, “I’m a man, husband, father, grandfather, man of the church, neighbor, citizen, friend, and my day job is thus and so.”
And there are variations. Some are called to be single. Others are not given children. For a time, many are called to be sons, daughters, and students. Your day job is to get ready to serve in the world.
Some are unable to work a job. Others need others’ full-time attention to give care and meet needs.
Each of us has several things God wants us to accomplish across the home, church, neighborhood, and marketplace.
Do you see the significance of the many things God has called you to do?