June 27

Morning

Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.” — Exod 8:28 BSB

This is a cunning suggestion from the lips of Pharaoh, the arch-tyrant. If the poor Israelites must leave Egypt, then Pharaoh tries to bargain with them to not go too far—not far enough to escape his power or his spies. In a similar way, the world dislikes the full separation of Christians from its ways. It often suggests we be more "moderate" and not too radical in our devotion to Christ. The world doesn’t mind a little religion, but it resists the total death to sin and burial with Christ that true faith requires. This is why the practices that represent such total devotion, such as baptism, are often ridiculed and neglected by many.

Worldly wisdom advocates compromise, speaking of “moderation.” According to this approach, holiness is valued, but not too much—avoid being too strict. Truth should be followed, but don’t denounce error too harshly. The world says, "Yes, be spiritually minded, but allow yourself a little fun—a social gathering here, a theater visit there. Why make a fuss about things everyone else does?” Many professing Christians fall prey to this advice, to their eternal ruin.

If we are to follow the Lord fully, we must go far away into the wilderness of separation, leaving behind the Egypt of this world—its values, pleasures, and even its religion. We are called to a higher place, where God dwells with His sanctified ones. When a town is burning, your house can never be too far from the flames. When a plague is spreading, you can’t be too far from its reach. The further from a poisonous viper, the better—and so it is with worldly conformity. For true believers, the trumpet sounds a clear call: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)

Evening

Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. — 1 Cor 7:20 BSB

Some people foolishly believe that the only way to live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible teachers. How many would be excluded from serving God if that were the case! Beloved, it’s not about holding a certain office—it’s about earnestness. It’s not about position—it’s about grace. These are what enable us to glorify God.

God is just as glorified by the cobbler who sings of the Savior’s love while working in his stall as by the preacher in the pulpit. The name of Jesus is magnified just as much by the poor carter who praises God as he drives his horse or speaks of Christ to a fellow laborer as by the famous evangelist whose sermons reach the masses. God is glorified in our everyday vocations when we serve Him faithfully.

So, dear reader, take care not to abandon your duty by leaving your job, and take care not to dishonor your profession while you are in it. Think humbly of yourself but do not think too little of your calling. Every lawful trade can be sanctified by the gospel to serve God’s purposes. In Scripture, we find that even the most menial tasks are linked to great deeds of faith or people renowned for their holiness. So, don’t be discontented with your calling. Whatever your position or work, stay in it unless you are sure God is calling you elsewhere. Your first priority should be to glorify God as much as possible where you are. If God needs you elsewhere, He will show you. Lay aside all ambition tonight and embrace peaceful contentment.