Awakening to the Call

Getting Ready to Serve

Reading : Luke 16:1–3

The manager said to himself, 

‘What shall I do now? 

My master is taking away my job.

Luke 16:3

In Jesus’ parable of the steward, everything begins with a moment of honest reflection. Faced with losing his position, the manager pauses and asks himself a searching question: “What shall I do now?” (Luke 16:3). It is a moment of awakening. The steward suddenly  realizes that the future will not look like the past, and he must prepare for what lies ahead. In many ways, this question stands at the center of the Christian life. God entrusts us with time, abilities, opportunities, and relationships, and sooner or later we must examine how we are using them. Scripture reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). The call of discipleship is not only to believe, but to prepare ourselves to serve wisely.

A striking modern example of such a turning point can be seen in the life of Malcolm Muggeridge. Muggeridge was a brilliant British journalist and cultural critic who spent much of his early life with a skeptical and often cynical view of religion. Yet something changed when he encountered the quiet faith and sacrificial service of Mother Teresa. Witnessing her work among the poor awakened in him a deeper spiritual hunger. Gradually he rediscovered the truth of Christianity and began to use his voice and intellect to speak about faith with clarity and conviction. The same man who had once questioned belief became one of the most articulate Christian witnesses of the twentieth century. His story reminds us that even later in life a person can redirect their gifts toward God’s purposes.

Jesus’ parable invites each of us to ask the steward’s question: “What shall I do now?” It is not a question of fear but of readiness. God may open new seasons of service at any stage of life. The apostle Paul encourages believers to live thoughtfully and purposefully: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15–16). When we pause to examine our lives and offer our gifts to God, He can redirect our paths and multiply our influence for good. Like Muggeridge, we may discover that the most meaningful chapter of our lives begins when we decide to use our talents in the service of Christ and His kingdom.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Teach us to be faithful stewards of the gifts You have entrusted to us. Give us wisdom to examine our lives honestly and courage to change direction when You call us to new service. Use our abilities, our experiences, and even our past mistakes for Your purposes. Help us to make the most of every opportunity to serve You and to bless others.

Amen.