“Here’s what is most remarkable to me about Joseph’s vocation: God could have chosen for Jesus to grow up in anybody’s home. He could have placed Jesus in a priestly household like John the Baptist where he could have devoted his days to prayer. He could have chosen for Jesus to grow up in the home of a Pharisee like the Apostle Paul where he could have spent hours upon end studying the Scriptures. But instead, God placed Jesus in the household of a carpenter, where he would spend his days making things with his hands.” Jordan Raynor
For many years, I struggled with the idea that I was somehow missing God’s best because I was working a “secular” job. Since I became a Christian, I have always had a passion to serve God and his people, but there was a nagging voice in my head that told me that what I was doing in my career as a police officer wasn’t as important as someone in the “full-time ministry.” After years of wrestling with God, I finally was able to understand that wherever God has called us to serve him is holy and beautiful.
When I got this revelation, I was able to focus on becoming the best police officer that I could be. At the same time, I also took every opportunity that came my way to serve in my local church, go on short-term mission trips all over the world, and lead small groups. This led to an incredible sense of fulfillment and allowed us the privilege to have an impact in the United States and around the globe.
Too many Christians struggle with their identity. They feel like I did: their work really isn’t that important. It is just something that they have to do to provide for themselves and their family. I wonder what would happen if we could all get the revelation that Jordan Raynor shares at the top of the page? God could have had Jesus born to a priest but instead chose to have him born to a carpenter, a craftsman. This tells us so much about God’s view of work!
Our jobs are important. God has placed us in our respective arenas to be salt and light to those around us, as well as to provide for our needs. It took me a while to grasp this idea, but when I did, it changed everything.
David and Annie are serving the Lord in the US, India, Africa, and beyond. Would you consider joining their team? Just click here to get involved. Thanks so much!
