Why Do You Do What You Do?

     One of the hardest decisions we ever make in life is deciding on an occupation.  For some, it is easy because they have felt a calling to their chosen profession.  However, many struggle with knowing what they should do in life.  In addition, there is often a misconception that tells us we must do something significant or related to ministry if we are a Christian never suspecting that the ordinary job can be calling too.  It all depends on our attitude and outlook.

     To my thinking, there is no job that does not carry with it an aspect of ministry for the Christian.  We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ wherever we are and in whatever position we have.  In our family, we have several in the field of education, and they work to help others learn.  No one can convince me that this area is not full of opportunities to be salt and light for Christ.  

Our son Nathan serves as a Lexington firefighter/EMT

     Although I was trained in college to teach high school communication skills with an English minor, I found my calling was to teach our children at home.  For me, this meant putting aside many other activities in order to devote myself to working with our children.  It was not the easiest calling but it was the most fulfilling.  Certainly this job was a type of ministry to our children.

     Philippians 2:3 tells us:  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."  This should be a guiding principle as we think about the work we currently do.  The first question we need to ask ourselves is why am I working at my present job?  Is it to gain a big income?  Are we looking for prestige or power?  If so, we need to stop and consider what the verse above means.

     Throughout the New Testament, our Lord reminded us on many occasions that we are serve as He did without thinking about repayment.  A good example is found in Luke 10:25-37 in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  Here the Lord clearly spoke of our duty to our fellow man to help and assist someone in need.  Many passed by the beaten man, including a priest, but no one wanted to get involved in helping him except the "despised" Samaritan.  He took time to minister to this man.  This story illustrates to believers that in whatever job we find ourselves there is always a chance to demonstrate the love of Christ to others.

     At the present time, I am working as a secretary/receptionist/insurance biller for my husband's professional office.  There is nothing glamorous about this work, but I see in it a chance to bless others with a smile, kind word and know that I am working with others as a member of a team to deliver care to them.  It is a ministry if we see it in that light.  During my years there, I have comforted people who are upset, prayed with some and had a chance to invite others to church. 

     When I was in college theater productions, our director would always remind us, "There are no small parts.  Only small actors."  The same could be said when it comes to work and jobs.  "There are no small or unimportant jobs.  Only small people who do not appreciate them."  Work is a privilege given by God.  We are not meant to use work as a means of self-gratification for our glory, but for His glory alone.  This means we need to stop grumbling, complaining and whining about things and look at it instead, as a means to touch the lives of others in actions as well as in words for Christ.  Like the Good Samaritan, we also need to look for ways to help others in need along the way rather than the "dog eat dog" mentality of the world.  We are put here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  We can do this by seeing the work He gives us as a means for touching other lives.  Let us think this week about "why we are doing what we are doing".  Then, let us rejoice in the work God has given us and bloom where He has planted us.  Selah!