| | I've been thinking a lot lately about why I go to my job, and how I can be obedient to the scriptural command to joyfully work with diligence unto the Lord, and not merely unto my earthly boss. While I gratefully recognize that God has provided my job in order to take care of the earthly needs that Ashley and I have, and even in order to represent Christ at my workplace by building relationships with my coworkers and praying that I might show them the reality and value of Jesus through my speech and conduct, it can be difficult at times to remain diligent in my work. So when it comes to actually carrying out my day-to-day activities, doing research on various topics related to the Regional plan (http://www.mvrpc.org/rlu/), and writing reports, I've really struggled to stay motivated for various reasons. For one, it is quite tedious to remain focused for eight hours on reading and thinking critically. I thank the Lord that I have such a great job, but sometimes jobs that require less thought seem really attractive. Second, having the understanding that many of the root issues we're trying to deal with in the Regional plan are the result of the fact that mankind is depraved, and because we live in a fallen world where selfishness, greed, and pride are commonplace, it makes it very difficult to attempt to solve these problems through worldly means that seem bound to fail. Lastly and related to the second, since our agency does not have any legal authority to implement anything that we come up with, it appears as though the successful implementation of our hard work is in the hands of the various community leaders who only seem to be concerned about keeping their jobs by improving the tax base of the area only within their jurisdictional boundaries, rather than improving the quality of life for all citizens of the Region, the State, and beyond. This has all lead to some real struggle at work to stay motivated and on task. I want to come to work for more than just a paycheck, and even more than stuggling by God's grace to build meaningful relationships with my coworkers. I want to see at least a hint of eternal purpose in what I do for a living, or else I want to know how God would rather have me to serve Him. While I'm certainly not one to believe that only preachers and missionaries are in the line of work that they should be (in fact, there are probably some of those that shouldn't be), I do want to understand how I can give my educational training back to the Lord who has provided it. So here are a couple vague thoughts that I've had off the top of my head, but I'm open to feedback and encouragement if you've got it! 1.) Stiving for equitable housing and economic opportunity for all citizens of the Miami Valley Region, even if ever so subtle, shows Christ's heart for the poor and for social justice. While this isn't the gospel in a nutshell, at the base of my agency's attempt to seek these things for the people of the Region is an acknowledgment that God cares for the poor and meek of the earth. 2.) Working to improve the quality of the air and to conserve and protect the natural environment represents good stewardship of God's creation. Even if most environmental planning isn't done with this in mind, "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psa 24:1), and despite the fact that mankind has throughout much of history used and abused the creation for sinful purposes, working to restore the environment shows a repentance of such arrogance. 3.) Because God is a God of order and not chaos, planning and thinking strategically about how our communities can grow and improve shows a hint of God's character. Rather than random happenstance, God creates with purpose, design, and wisdom, and replicating these characteristics in the way we create is a recognition of His goodness. I hope these thoughts don't seem too much like complaining, because I really am thankful for how I've seen the Lord's providence through this job, and I truly desire to simply please Him in every aspect of life. These are a few broad examples which I think are a start to more diligently working unto the Lord, and yet are without a doubt still difficult to keep in the forefront on a daily basis. But like I said, I would love to hear other ideas and advice, even if it's from your own experience of grinding it out at the workplace in the name of our Lord. Grace and Peace in our Lord Jesus Christ! |
