God’s Call to Willing Service, Not Forced Labor
Meeting with one’s boss can be a nerve-wracking, angst-ridden experience, especially
when it comes time for our annual review. Fortunately, I serve a very kind, caring, and
compassionate District Superintendent, who believes in building up rather than tearing
down. She and I had a very cordial conversation earlier this week, and when it was
over, I was uplifted and further inspired to serve God by serving each of you.
This experience caused me to reflect on what it might be like when we stand before the
Lord for our “lifelong review” at the conclusion of our journey here on earth. Although
Scripture tells us that we will have to give an account of our lives, I believe that we
serve an extraordinarily kind, compassionate, and loving God, who will shower us with
His abundant grace and infinite mercy. After all, He sent His only Son as a sacrifice to
atone for our sins.
I think we sometimes overlook the incomparable power of Christ’s healing blood, which
washes away our sins and cleanses our soul. His sacrifice on the cross paved the way
for our salvation and provided the only means of access to God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Let us offer thanks and praise for this amazing gift, which gives us hope, comfort, and
peace.
As we head into this Labor Day weekend, it is wise to remember that we are not called
into hard labor but rather willing service to the God of all creation, who loves us, forgives
us, and redeems us from this world to the world to come.