I was thinking last night as I tried multiple failed attempts at keeping Ruby happy and thus lulling her to sleep that I wasn't really great at anything. Not that I think I'm bad at everything I try my hand at, but I'm certainly no expert at anything. I got to thinking about people I know that are really good at things or are profession something-or-anothers. For example, I used to take a lot of photos, I was in school to begin with to be a photographer even, but have since given it up (almost entirely which is quite sad) and thus am not a professional photographer although I know several. So in thinking about all of this again over breakfast, and feeling unsure if God had a niche for me if I wasn't good at anything, I decided that it was stupid to even think about beacuse what do I know, I'm not an expert on God either, and just sort of let it go. Then I was ready my favorite blogs and websites and guess what the topic of "Our Daily Bread" is today...
(I've posted it in it's entirety but feel free to head over to the website to see the related verse and check out their links)
The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means “to love.” An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.
In today’s way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a “higher” category—that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.
As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn’t choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.
In today’s world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for “amateurs,” those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ’s example of loving and serving others.
— Julie Ackerman Link
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. —Featherstone
One proof of our love for God is our love for our neighbor.
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