There’s a notion, I often sense it in ministers and seminarians, that full-time church work is nobler than other professions. When you remember that Christ called fishermen, tent makers, tax people, and the like to be His leading people, you have to wonder.
I know from my own experiences that members of Congress work long hours, at times in their districts and other times in Washington. They’re there now, after the State of the Union speech, working on the difficult task of governing in a sorely divided political climate. Martin Luther wrote that government work “needs abler persons than the office of the ministry. Therefore it is necessary to keep the best boys (today we add, girls) for this work, for in the ministry Christ does everything through His Spirit. But in the kingdom of the world one must use reason…. Governing is, therefore, the more difficult task.” (Plass, 1771)
So we pray God’s guidance and care not only upon church workers but also upon all men and women serving God’s purposes through their work in government. John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace,” wrote to a member of the British parliament, “It’s hoped and believed that the Lord has raised you up for the good of the nation.” (Os Guiness, “The Call,” 29) Agreed!
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