As we experience God’s goodness in our lives, I think it’s natural that we want to respond to that goodness- we want to DO something. I think that’s amazing. I also think that we are often misguided in our idea of what that response should be. Many of us feel that we have to assume a position in a church, join an organization, or run off to a developing country in order to respond to God’s goodness. Those things seem like appropriate service, right? Well, maybe. And maybe not. 

Paul seems to think it’s a lot more simple than that. He writes to the Romans to simply continue living their lives, taking steps as God leads as their service and offering to God. Maybe those steps will include a church ministry, and maybe they won’t. Maybe opportunities to serve will look more like being a good friend or mentoring a young person than like a mission trip. Maybe the offering God wants from you today is to be kind to the difficult person in your office. Maybe God will put a child in your life to love or even raise. Maybe being a dependable employee and trustworthy friend is your opportunity for a season. 

Look at what’s already around you as your opportunity to serve the Lord. Your everyday, ordinary life is what God is using every day to build the Kingdom. Mother Teresa said, “We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.” I think this is what Paul means, too. 

So let’s get to it! Our calling is already around us.