Serving in a Full-Time Capacity

Some times there is an alignment of opportunities that almost defies explanation.  It's that eerie feeling hits you and you know something supernatural has just occurred.  For me one of those circumstances aligning, blow your roof off type moments happened yesterday.  Some may say it was a coincidence, but I believe in God and His sovereignty over the affairs of man.  I don't believe in coincidence and I don't think things "just happen."  I had one of those moments yesterday and I can't wait to share it today.

Here is what happened.  Several weeks ago (Mid-December) I wrote a series of Sunday School Lessons about "Gaining God's Favor."  I was prepared to deliver the fifth and final lesson yesterday (January 7th).  One of the key elements I learned about in my study on Gaining God's Favor is alignment with what God is doing.  For example: God used Nehemiah to restore the physical protection of Jerusalem as the exiles were returning.  In the same way God used Ezra to restore the spiritual foundations of the nation of Israel following exile.  Their lives aligned with a need that God wanted taken care of.  The challenge to my Teen Sunday School Class was "Are you willing to consider Full-Time Christian Service for your life?" 

I had that lesson prepared weeks prior to yesterday.  Then two events of note took place prior to church yesterday morning.  One was that I was up early and my boys and wife all slept in.  Those two things almost never, ever simultaneously occur.  Another event worth noting was that since the first two things happened I was able to read my devotional book BEFORE heading into church.  Another event that almost never happens as I usually do most of my reading in the early afternoon or after everyone else has gone to bed.  Because I was able to have devotions in the morning I was able to read the following devotion prior to teaching the lesson on "Full-Time Christian Service."

Amazingly, here is what Author (and Congressman) Jim Ryun, in his book The Courage to Run had to say on January 7th (the 7th entry of his devotional book): One Eye on Eternity (some excerpts) "It has often been said that men and women who truly do great things in this life have kept one eye on eternity.  When I consider the lives of committed Christians... I see a common thread. To a person, their focus was on Christ and eternity while fulfilling their time on Earth."  WOW! WOW! WOW! God truly wanted me to see and be able to teach on the value of living our lives full time for Christ.  Congressman Ryun goes on to say that some of the greatest accomplishments for Christ have come from people who were "counted fools at one time or another, but they were willing to lay down this world's fame and wealth to achieve truly great things. They had one eye on eternity."

I was able to weave that day's devotional into my Sunday School lesson and challenge our teens to consider Full-Time Christian Service as their career choice.  Let me challenge you to consider the same.  I read an interesting quote from one of my former basketball players, Seth Parris, recently.  He made the statement in a tweet "Funny how many seminary students feel "called" to the big cities and never a small country church #christians." I have often thought the same thing when I hear Christian college students claim that they are being "called" to teach in public schools (where the pay is typically 2-3 times higher than christian schools).  Not to demean anyone who is serving in a well-paying position in a large city church or teaching in a well paying public school, but God does call people to lower paying, less prestigious posts all the time.  How many of these people are missing out on God's true calling in favor of a fatter paycheck and more opportunities for them personally.

The teens in my Sunday School were asked what types of jobs can be considered "full-time ministry positions?"  Most only came up with Pastor, Youth Pastor or Teacher.  I challenged them to think a little more creatively and pretty soon we realized that almost any profession can be done for God in a Full-Time Ministry setting.  The church and its related ministries need doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches, nurses, accountants, computer and tech people, etc., etc., etc.  My group of High School students quickly realized that everything can be done for Christ that can be done in a secular setting.

Next we considered the reasons that many Christians don't consider Full Time Ministry positions as careers.  The answers basically boiled down to 1.) Earn Less Money 2.) Fear of the Unknown (like being called to be a missionary somewhere like Africa, or even worse places like New Jersey or Alabama) 3.) Less Prestige Personally or 4.) Less opportunity for advancement.

If you have read this far please take just another moment to consider my final thought.  Are any of those reasons valid?  When you stand (and then fall down before Christ someday) are you really willing to say to Him that you worked in a secular field simply because you wanted more money and a more prestige?  Are you willing to think that you won't be terribly ashamed of how you selfishly spent your life living for your pleasures and security?  I am asking you to spend some time in prayer today, and tomorrow and for at least a few days and strongly consider whether or not you may be a candidate for Full-Time Christian Ministry.  Whatever experiences, qualifications, skills and degrees you possess can be used to further the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  Are you willing to pray and seek God in this area? 

Maybe you will still be led to serve Christ in a secular setting.  I am so glad for those of you who are able to serve in that arena.  We need you there shining Christ's light into the darkness.  However, I believe that many are called to Ministry that are not answering the call.  Parents, are you willing to let your sons and daughter attend a Christian or Bible College?  Are you willing to support them if they decide to go into Full Time Ministry?  Remember you will stand before God someday.  I hope that when you and I do we are able to answer the question "Did my career make a difference for Christ?"