Amos

Having said all that, let’s move on:

*Godliness means following God even when he calls you to change your profession.

What do we see in the example of Amos? He was very happy as a shepherd and farmer, but God came to him and called him to change his lifestyle. We serve God where he calls us, but sometimes the call of God involves a total lifestyle change. We have already mentioned that some jobs are dishonoring to Christ and force a Christian to make a change. But sometimes God leads Christians to change their jobs. Never feel you need to serve God in only one area all your life. Some people say, “My ministry is ____ - whatever, fill in the blank. My ministry is the nursery - don’t ask me to teach. My ministry is singing in the choir, don’t ask me to help clean the church. And sometimes we miss great opportunities for ministry because we never try any new ministry.

The truth is that sometimes God finishes the task he calls us to, and leads us on to another area of ministry. And when he does, are we faithful enough to move on and not hold on to the past. Remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6 - I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. God uses some of us to start a work, others to build on the work, others to finish it. Let’s be faithful in what God has for us.

Amos was called as a farmer in Judah; but he was called to go to the north, to Israel, to deliver a message of judgment and condemnation. God totally changes Amos’ life; but Amos faithfully follows.

*Godliness means following God even when He takes you out of your comfort zones. We need to remember that even though you might have a job or ministry that you enjoy, faithfulness to God means being willing to change and step out of our comfort zones. 80% of Americans work at a job they hate, but feel trapped, and are scared to look for something different.

Now, I’m not saying to change your job to try something different; I’m not saying to look for a job that pays you more money. But it may be that someone here feels that God is leading you to make a change. And change is ALWAYS scary. Even if it means stepping out of your comfort zones, be willing to trust God. Look for confirmation - from God’s word - maybe a verse in your devotions will jump out at you; look for a peace in your spirit - look for confirmation through the wise counsel of others; look for confirmation through circumstances. But when God calls you to make a change in your life - be willing to follow.

Maybe it’s helping in AWANA this year - you say, I’ve never worked with kids before - step out of your comfort zone and give it a try. Maybe it’s leading a class for LIFT or getting involved in a small group Bible study - if God is leading you, be willing to follow.

Amos was willing to leave his ranch in Judah, and go north, to an enemy nation, to a wicked culture, to a perverted society. And he went as light, showing them the truth.

Just a reminder, that God has called us to be light to our world. Matthew 5:14 - “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.