William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, was a shoe cobbler by trade who had a heart for carrying the Gospel into India. Each workday, Carey would go into his little shoe cobbler business, open the doors, greet customers and help them with their shoe needs. But there were times that Carey would lock the shop doors, move to his back room and pray over a map of India that he had placed on his workroom wall.

See, the Spirit was leading him to go and spread the Good News of the Gospel to the people of India. So when the Spirit moved, he would lock up shop and pray. Because of this, his shoe business suffered. One day, a well-meaning friend pulled Carey aside and shared a hard truth with him: “Sir, you’re neglecting your business with all of this praying.” Carey’s response? “Neglecting my business? My business is to extend the kingdom of God. I only cobble shoes to pay the expenses.”

I find that incredibly convicting.

I wonder… What is our real business?

In Matthew 9, Matthew records that Jesus was busy doing the work of ministry, but He stopped, saw the hurting around Him and – filled with compassion – looked at His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

It’s a good reminder for all of us that, as followers of Jesus, our main business should be about extending the Kingdom of God. Let’s keep our hearts open, minds aware and feet ready to move toward the needs that Christ has placed in our path! In Jesus’ name.

— Mark