George Herbert was a gifted 17th-century English poet. At one point in his life he wasn't sure he wanted to do what God wanted him to do. Being the pastor of a church didn't appeal to him, even though he sensed that God was directing him to that vocation. He hesitated because he felt that he would have to give up too much.

After a time of rebellious struggle, he came to realize that submitting to Christ's lordship is the way out of self-centered bondage and opens the door to authentic freedom and fulfillment. He also came to realize that serving the Savior does not usually entail heroic martyrdom. Rather, it is the willing and worshipful performance of the most menial tasks for His glory.

Many of God's people are troubled because they can't give themselves to what is called "fulltime ministry." All of us, though, whatever our vocation--accounting, farming, nursing, homemaking, or something else--need to recognize that we are always to work for the Lord. In Colossians 3:23 we read, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

Any job will take on greater significance if we consciously do our work for the Lord.  — Vernon C. Grounds