Do God’s business
“I must be about my father’s business.”
– Luke 2:49 (NIV)
During my junior high years, my friend’s father owned and operated a restaurant in our small town. Oftentimes, after school, I would go over to the restaurant and take a place on a stool at the counter and chat with her while she completed her tasks.
While my friend stood at the cash register ringing up someone’s bill, I entertained myself by glancing around the dining room and seeing the effort my friend put forth to serve others.
I noticed how the pepper and salt filled each condiment container to the brim. The shiny appearance of each table top reflected my friend’s labor as she proudly fulfilled the duties assigned to her.
Our fathers may not have a business for us to take part in, but being involved in our heavenly father’s business is an essential part of our purpose here on earth. It doesn’t matter whether we’re old or young, we are important to the work God wants to do. Lending someone a helping hand with a task; giving them money, food or clothing; or giving a word of encouragement or complimenting someone for a job well done are a few of the ways we can carry out this mission.
At age 12, Jesus said, “I must be about my father’s business.” Jesus had a heart to serve. A person with a heart that desires to serve knows how to identify the needs of others. They don’t force their way into a situation, but when they see someone they can help, they seize the opportunity! They know opportunities can quickly pass them by.
God wants us to be a part of his family and to be used by him. We can start by asking in prayer to make us sensitive to the needs of others and show us how he wants to use us. He will help us to discover our life’s purpose and destiny. If we make ourselves available to God, he will use us to help change a life. We can rest assured that as we take care of our father’s business, He will take care of ours.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.