"And because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." - Act 18:3 ESV
Often, we find ourselves defined by our occupations, wearing them like badges of honor. "I'm Doctor Garcia," or "I'm Governor Cruz," we proudly proclaim. Our professions shape us, molding our character and influencing our worldview. Yet, there's a profound truth hidden in the folds of Acts 18:1-4: what we are can also shape what we do.
Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were tentmakers by trade, their hands calloused from countless hours of stitching and shaping. But beneath the surface of their craftmanship lay a deeper identity – they were, first and foremost, followers of Christ. Their faith was not a garment to be donned and discarded at will, but the very essence of their being. As roots to a tree, these early Christians allowed their faith to be the root system of their lives, while their profession of tentmaking served as the leaves – necessary, but not defining.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we often find ourselves caught in a tug-of-war between our various roles and responsibilities. We may feel torn between our work and our family, our profession and our faith, our social circles and our church community. But the story of Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla challenges us to reframe this struggle.
What if, instead of viewing these aspects of our lives as competing forces, we saw them as complementary? The key lies in prioritization. As the renowned author C.S. Lewis once said, "Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things."
This brings us to the matter of priorities. What we dedicate ourselves to reveals what we hold most dear. If we focus on our highest calling—be it family, faith, or community—everything else will find its place. It’s not about choosing between work or faith; rather, it’s about harmonizing them. Life is not a zero-sum game; we can nurture both our careers and our spiritual lives simultaneously. Paul’s and the couple's commitment to their faith transformed not only their lives but also the world around them. Had they prioritized differently – if they had allowed their profession to overshadow their calling - the impact of their ministry might have been greatly diminished. The world would have been left poorer, and they themselves would have missed out on the richness of a life lived in alignment with their deepest convictions.
This doesn't mean we should neglect our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it's about infusing every aspect of our lives with the essence of our faith. As we go about our daily tasks, whether we're crafting tents or crafting policies, let us remember that our primary identity is not in what we do, but in who we are in Christ and we have the opportunity to embody our values in every action.
