Interesting picture. Human beings have a tendency to categorize themselves by what they do. Often, when people are asked who they are, they respond by giving their occupation, as if it were THE defining aspect of their existence. Now, there is really nothing wrong with doing this, but for a Christian, a better answer would be the last item on the above list. Why? Because, during the course of a person’s lifetime they may change occupations, but if they belong to Christ, whatever they do will always be overshadowed by their commitment TO CHRIST.
Consider the apostle Paul; he was a tentmaker by trade, but he served God as an evangelist, teacher and preacher. Paul says the following…
1 Timothy 1 ( World English Bible )
12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;
13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
God gives life and for those who genuinely follow HIM, their life is defined BY HIM. First and foremost, Paul was a sinner saved by Grace. Secondly, he was assigned to teach, preach and evangelize. Paul knew what he had done in his past efforts to persecute the body of Christ and obviously, it hurt him to the core of his being. Yet, he did his best to be faithful to Christ from the moment he became a Christian.
Likewise, Christians today need to be committed to doing the very best they can in service to our master. Whether we be plumbers, doctors, lawyers or garbage men we need to remember that first of all we are to be servants of Christ and that everything else in our lives is subordinate to this. The question that remains is; is it?