September 22

Sep 22 - Today from Proverbs 22 we look at verse 29
"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men."

One of the wonderful doctrinal positions which (re)emerged out of the Reformation is the principle of the priesthood of every man. It put down the notion that the clerical leaders were of a special vocation which gave them privilege and presence before God while the masses were able to approach God only through their service. It was not unlike Judaism in Jesus' day. There were basically two classes of people; the associates and the people of the land. The associates were comprised of the wealthy and the learned; people such as the Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians and the Essenes. They were the 'righteous', the privileged before God. The majority of the people were considered 'sinners' - people of the land. They pretty much worked from sunup to sundown and had no time or ability to study the scriptures - the means to righteousness. Jesus dismantled this improper theological position when He not only welcomed and ate with 'sinners', but He constantly taught that God was no respecter of men. He taught that the kingdom of God was available to all, regardless of vocation or social position.
The proverb we look at today speaks to the subject of vocation. In the grand scheme of things, one honest vocation is not superior to another. Being a surgeon is not superior to being an auto mechanic. Being an astronaut is not superior to being a refuse worker. Being a lawyer is not superior to being a maintenance person. Man may errantly ascribe a values system to various vocations, but God does not. What does matter is excellence in service. For instance, let's take our first statement from above; Being a surgeon is not superior to being an auto mechanic. There are surgeons who will never be considered to operate on the President of the United States - or any other heads of state - because their record is marred with mediocrity or incompetence. They may have a practice, but they will never rise to a place of recognition for their skills. On the other hand, the Presidential limousine - and his other vehicles - are checked over by mechanics regularly. You can bet that these are some of the finest and most reputable mechanics around. Who has greater honor and respect, the mediocre surgeon or the extremely professional mechanic. Thus we see that it is excellence in service which determines value - not just the service itself.
No matter what vocation a person might choose, their goal should be excellence in service. Growing in achievement of such a goal would include among other things:
- Proper education and training. Make work of it. Learn all you can about your chosen field.
- Interning (serving with others who are already established and reputed in the field of your chosen vocation). Books can only teach so much. There is an untold wealth of information available from those who have grown through experience.
- Utilizing and benefiting from every 'rung of the ladder'. You are preparing for a long-term vocation. Don't take short-cuts, and don't expect to be in the top of your field immediately. Learn from others, capitalize on failures, roll with the punches and persevere. If you are not passionate about your chosen vocation, perhaps it's time to seek one in which you are.
- Maintain integrity, at all costs. Your integrity of character is, and always will be, your greatest asset. Many young prodigies rose quickly as they impressed their world with exceptional skills and abilities - only to fall because they had no integrity. No matter how good you are, an employer or a customer will turn you away if they cannot trust you.
Become the best you can at what you do - and then fortify your ability with integrity. When it comes to ability and integrity - integrity will always give you the edge. You can take that to the bank!
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17). Your vocation is something you do. Doing it in His name is a vital part of your active priesthood.