Sometimes our American “culture of narcissism” can seep into the Church.
And into us.
While we were living near Boston, some friends invited us back to Texas to start a church. Another friend told me of a job teaching worldview at a newly formed Christian school in Lucas, Texas.
“How perfect for me!” I thought. “Just what I am good at.”
When I got the job, I was happy for what God did for me. He was obviously blessing me so I could focus on the church.
On my third day at work, the rebuke came. He spoke, not audibly, more as an impression, and if I could verbalize what He said it would go something like this:
“You think this job is for you. It’s not. These students and this school are important to ME. So, I sent them my very best. You are not here for how this will benefit you. You are here for how you will benefit them, and serving them will be serving me.”
All I could say to this was, “Yes, Sir!”
From that day on, and for the next decade or so, (we never did start the church), I knew that my mission was to serve the school and its students, and by doing so, I would be serving the Lord. It didn’t matter if this was a good career move for me.
There is a huge difference between the narcissistic perspective on work and the Lord’s view. If I see my work from my point of view, how it blesses me, then I will not be too motivated to stretch myself, change, learn new things, or grow. I have already arrived at “my” job.
However, when I see my work from His perspective, I am now bound by His expectations. How I use my time. How I relate to others. My level of productivity. My willingness to work on my weaknesses. I am obligated to become the best worker possible in that place because my work is unto Him. And that opens the door for me to learn, grow, sacrifice, and even go beyond.
Which of these two perspectives is yours?
As God watches you work, whether at a school, business, or a corporation, is He pleased? Does your daily work make Him happy or sad?
You are God’s very best!
Let all your labor be unto the Lord:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Colossians 3:23).
