Weekly Meditation Trinity 17

Greetings in the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord!  Yesterday's Epistle was Ephesians 4:1-6, and we will look at the first sentence, verses 1-3, which read: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

This verse speaks to a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and that is the topic of "Vocation".  Many things happened in the Reformation; Martin Luther restored many biblical ideas, but I think the most marvelous one (and sadly sometime overlooked one) is that of "Vocation."

The word "Vocation" is simply Latin for "Calling" -- "Voca" as in voice, or vocal.  What you have been called to do.  Now, in Luther's day, if one didn't work for the Church, if one wasn't a priest or a monk, one wasn't deemed to be as "holy" or as good of a Christian.  The thought had been that if you were a "real Christian" you would have gone to the Monastery.  Luther trashes that idea -- as Christians we all have vocations, things to which we have been called.

At this point in Ephesians, the book shifts into a discussion of how a Christian is to live -- in his or her vocations.  Consider the things of your life, the stations.  I am a husband.  I was given this calling by God (therefore what God has joined together...).  I am a father - I was given this calling by God.  I am a son - I was given by God to my parents.  I happen to be a pastor; my wife happens to be a nurse -- these are vocations given to us by God.

All of these things, and so many others beside - all the various "hats" which we wear - these are things given to us by God.  And those in your life are as well.  And so - walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.  We approach the tasks we have been given with humility and love for those whom we are to serve, because everything in our life is about love and serving the neighbor.  And this is holy and good.

One of the things that the world will do is that it will try to diminish, wear you down by mocking or belittling the things you have been given to do.  You may hear the phrase, "You're just a..." -- that's diminishing.  Or you may see what others have, and then become envious, wish that you had what they had... and then look down upon what you have.

No, remember this.  Christ Jesus has called you to holiness - and that isn't some artificial way of strutting around -- no.  He has called you out of sin and death and made you to be His own forgiven servant, a servant who has all sorts of wonderful roles in life laid out directly for you.

Enjoy them.  See them as gifts from God, opportunities to serve and show love.  And let no one belittle them and you - for you are God's own child whom He loves dearly.

Have a great week!