Why Your Heart's Attitude Matters More Than Your Job

Advent devotions: How many professions do you find represented in the Christmas story? We find seven, and as a gift to you this advent, we have made a devotion about each one of them. This is the third one, and if focuses on sheperds.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)

I hold dear the memories of my recent trip to Kenya and Ethiopia. During the trip, we came across some young shepherds, and I remember thinking how fortunate they were to have nature as an integral part of their daily routine. My mind is flooded with countless illustrations of shepherds, but none accurately depict the ones I saw. However, my experience has given me a new perspective on why the angels chose to appear to the shepherds first to announce Jesus's birth, and why it is so important for us to know this.

The shepherds represent the common people of their time. I can identify with them in many ways. My job may not make headlines, bring world peace, or even provide for all the needs I see around me. It is the same way for you. Depending on the social circles you belong to, people may look down on your profession. But God chose you to be there and meet people who do not know Him.

The shepherds were terrified when they had their heavenly vision, but the angels assured them that they did not need to be afraid. Then, the shepherds responded quickly to an experience that seemed unbelievable and didn't make sense to them at first. When they realised the truth, they felt compelled to share it with everyone. Their heart attitude wasn't boastful, doubtful, or all-knowing. Instead, they had to approach the situation with childlike faith, filled with awe and wonder.

How many times have you heard people sharing their amazing experiences, only to have someone in the group try to bring them back to reality? Similarly, I too have moments when I want to share how God changed a situation for me, but I tend to filter out the excitement and try to make it sound more sophisticated or less weird.

The Shepherds did not aim to impress anyone with their account of the events that took place. They simply provided an accurate description of what they witnessed, without any attempt to embellish or teach a lesson. God knew this and this is why I think He chose them.

It doesn't matter what you do or how you feel. Alway remember that the way you conduct yourself, speak and behave matters more to God than knowledge or perfection.

Your story of how God changed your life when you met Jesus has enough truth and power to change someone's life!

Prayer

Lord, I pray for the humility to embrace my own journey, and to share it with others as it is. Help me, like the shepherds of old, to respond with genuine awe and simplicity to the unexpected assignments and moments of divine revelation in my life. May I, in sharing my stories, inspire others with the transformative power of faith and authenticity. Amen.