I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil – this is God’s gift to man.

– Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Do you think often about vocation? We have more than one vocation, though we may typically think of work we do for pay as our “vocation.” Our LCMS website defines vocation in many ways, and the first is Called by The Gospel and says this: “All Christians have a calling in the church. We all have been called into faith, and we all are called to a local congregation, where we each have a part to play in the community of faith.”

We are also Called to be Citizens, Called to our Work, and we serve as the Masks of God and in vocation in our families. I remember when my children were very little and my primary vocation was centered around caring for them and their needs.

The Bible reminds us many times to take comfort and gratitude in our daily lives, for they are gifts from God. Whatever you do, do it all to the Glory of God. 1 Corinthians reminds us of this with verse 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 adds…”giving thanks to God the Father through him [the Lord Jesus]”

Today’s verse set is Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. It’s the likely source for the New Testament reminders we see above in 1 Corinthians and also in Colossians. “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”

Ecclesiastes also reminds us also that there is nothing new under the sun. For everyone is called, and we receive God’s gifts of vocation and daily devoted living. Be thankful for the truth brought to us by the Son.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to be your children and providing for us in a way that equips us to serve others.

Daily Reading: Ephesians 5

– Contributed by Heather Noggle