Charles Spurgeon’s bodacious words about work
Charles Spurgeon’s bodacious words about work
Charles Spurgeon, the famous preacher from yesteryear, had some great wisdom to say about our vocations:
“Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them”.
Charles’ words are in black, mine are in blue.
Some persons have the foolish notion –Nah, tell us what you really think Charles.
that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Bible women, love this, sounds like a super hero, I want to be a Bible woman!
Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Preach it brother!
Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. Not office, it is zeal; not position, but passion.
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, So in love with God that he is unashamedly speaking out from the depth of his heart.
aye, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. When religion becomes bound up in dress wearing men with gaudy trinkets I think we’ve lost the essence of the freedom that God brings.
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, The man who gives cheer and charity is a man rich indeed.
as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. Don’t underestimate the simple man, his words spoken in poverty is as powerful as any pastor’s platform.
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. People are watching, what we do is noticed, are we going to be true representatives of God?
Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. When we think less of ourselves, there is way more time to think about God and his ways.
Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. When our work is done well, we can use this as leverage for ministering. You’re a child worker? Create opportunities to share Jesus with the families. Doing office work? Host a bible study. Work in a factory? Whack some bible verses and books in the lunch room.
Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, Paul was a tent maker, Nehemiah a cup bearer and Gideon the Homer Simpson of Israel.
or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. The prophets would continually call for leaders to act justly, often finding themselves afterwards without a head attached to their body.
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. Your attitude will determine your altitude. Pretty sure that sounds like a John Maxwell quote 😉
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. God sees your heart, he feels your pain. There is no greater pull on His heart strings than someone who is ill-treated, over looked, under valued; that despite all obstacles that person is extolling the mighty virtues of the King of Kings using whatever method they can to whoever will listen.
Read here for more hope.
