God Squad

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:4

Graduation ceremonies are just around the corner.  I can hear families and friends asking a litany of questions to the cap and gown crowd.  “What are you going to do now?”  “Do you have a job lined up yet?”  “Are you going to move to find a job?” As a culture and a society we place a great deal of emphasis on the jobs we perform.  While we need employment, it seems that jobs can quickly become an obsession.  Jobs can turn into an all-consuming entity that receives much more time than forty hours a week.  In fact, we place so much importance on jobs and employment that a person’s career can quickly become your identity. As Christians, we should note the distinction between one’s work and one’s job.  Paul was an apostle, a missionary, and a pastor.  What was his job?  He made a living as a tentmaker.  Which was more important, his work or his job?  The job was used so that his work could continue. J. R. R. Tolkien was a university professor. He made his living at the university. But when we talk about Tolkien today he is remembered as the author who gave us The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.  His life’s work surrounded the written word, sharing stories, and communication. Our work and our jobs are not the same thing.  As people of faith, our work is to be a Christian and to demonstrate that Christian witness here on earth.  We are to be like Jesus, no matter our employer.  Our work should surround us and what we do for a living.  There should be Christian attorneys, Christian journalists, Christian farmers, Christian factor workers, Christian school teachers, Christian politicians, and Christian social workers. Christianity is not a hobby, it is our life’s work.  You should not be a Christian on Sundays only.  That would mean being a Christian in name only.  Faith should be a devoted and integrated part of life.  We are to be consumed in the cause and work of Christ. No matter what your diploma says, your work is greater than what you do for a living.  Your work is greater than the job you hold.  Yes, your work and your job are totally different things.  May God help us as we pursue His plan for our life’s work.