Evening, June 27
Go To Morning Reading
“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”
1 Corinthians 7:20
Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they
can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible
women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying
the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it
is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable
us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler’s stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the
Saviour’s love, aye, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where
official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus
is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse,
and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside,
as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like
Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving
him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you do not
forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care
you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of
yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful
trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the
Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected
either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives
have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented
with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work,
abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something
else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your
power where you are. Fill your present sphere to his praise, and if
he needs you in another he will show it you. This evening lay aside
vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content.