Sunday, August 15, 2010

Reflections from August 13, 2010

Did Paul write that some jobs are more important than others when he says in 1 Corinthians 12:28, "And God has appointed these in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues."

So is apostle the most important job? Not necessarily. All legitimate work matters to God. God is a worker; human occupations find their origin in His work to create the world. Work is a gift from God to meet the needs of people and the creation.

God creates people to carry out specific kinds of work. God uniquely designs each of us, fitting us for certain kinds of tasks. He distributes skills, abilities, interests, and personalities among us so that we can carry out His work in the world. This work includes spiritual tasks, but extends also to health, education, agriculture, business, law, communication, etc.

God cares more about character and conduct than occupational status. Paul's teaching in this passage is about gifts, not vocation. In Paul's day, there were few "professional" clergy. Paul was a tentmaker, and others had vocations that provided funds for living so they could devote attention to the teachings of Christ. There may be ranking in spiritual gifts, but there isn't any in vocations.

The bible goes on to indicate what all of us should excel in; love. We need to strive to be Christlike in love and character. If we excel in love, it doesn't matter one iota what our vocation is. Love has the greatest value to God.

Blessings to all

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