"George"

"George"    

    

     

   I met a man yesterday who works in what the world calls the "service industry".  George's occupation would be considered at the lower level of the company for which he works, and while his vocation involves an honest and virtuous day's work, few parents would direct their children to seek a career in the position he occupies.

    All this being the case, I would nevertheless submit to your consideration that George likely finds more joy in his work than the CEO of the company that employees him.  We happened upon one another in one of those "chance encounters" that actually results from a Divine appointment.  We needed help regarding a small matter, but the Lord turned the occurrence into a blessed experience of the love of God, as manifested in the brother in Christ I reference.  From the countenance of George's face, to the demeanor of his attitude, to the tone and content of his words, George radiated the Lord's love to me and my family.  Having helped us, he then looked me directly in the eye and asked, "Can I share something with you?"  He then proceeded in the most humble and forthright manner - and in less than 30 seconds - to tell me how the Lord had worked in his life to bring him to what he considers a most blessed vocation.  He clearly did so to bear witness to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus.  Of course, I responded with much enthusiasm and affirmation of George's testimony.  This led to a brief, but rich conversation in which George shared a passage of Scripture I had just emphasized in one of my sermons yesterday.  "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me" (John 12:32).  We rejoiced together in our mutual determination to bear witness that the Lord Jesus was, in fact, lifted up, and that His death and subsequent resurrection provide the only hope for human hearts.  Moreover, I can say with all certainty that the Lord Jesus is once again being lifted up in George's heart, life, and communication in the venue to which God has called him.

   We shook hands as we parted, and I left George with the realization that I had been in the company of one who realizes that his calling in the service industry flows from a higher calling in the family of God.  George does what he does in the way that he does it because the Spirit of God works in his heart to fulfill the Apostle Paul's mandate: "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).  In simplest terms, George works for the Lord.  And he knows it.  I hope that the CEO of George's company also knows the Lord, and works accordingly.  However, if he does, I can say this with all confidence: he finds no more joy in his position than George finds in his.  Our brother does what he does "heartily, as to the Lord".  I  will try to remember the example, and by the same grace that leads and enables George to "serve the Lord with gladness", I hope to shine with the same glory of Christ in my venue of life and ministry (Psalm 100:2).

"For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."

(Psalm 84:10).

Weekly Memory Verse 

   He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

(Proverbs 15:32)