June 9

Always on Duty

As Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table. — Luke 11:37 BSB

Jesus was never ashamed to be the guest of publicans and sinners, but He also didn’t reject invitations from the rich and influential. He was always willing to go where there was an opportunity to do good, even at social gatherings and feasts. We can follow His example, but we must also recognize that Jesus always used these occasions to serve a higher purpose.

We should go wherever we can be God’s messengers to others. We are never off duty as Christians, and we should always be Christ’s servants, ready to bless those we encounter. Before accepting an invitation to any place, we should ask ourselves if our Master has an errand there for us. If we go, we should aim to use the opportunity to do good in some way.

Jesus didn’t go to the kinds of entertainments that tempt people today, like certain forms of amusement that draw young people. But the same principle applies: “Is it right for me to attend this event?” Can you go there as a Christian? Can you confess Christ there? Can you talk about Him to others? Can you ask His blessing on your participation? Can you go as His representative, sure that He is sending you? We need to begin looking at these matters with honesty and seriousness. If we are Christians, we are Christians seven days a week, wherever we go.

We are also always on duty. A young minister, when reprimanded by his bishop for inappropriate behavior, tried to excuse himself by saying he wasn’t on duty at the time. The bishop replied, “A minister is never off duty.” The same is true for every Christian. Wherever we go, we represent our Master.