What do I do?

So many times, as men, we define ourselves by the career we are in or what we do for a living.  You can witness this by the very first question we ask each other upon introductions – “what do you do?”  And that’s IF we weren’t introduced by our name quickly followed by our profession.

For years, I have struggled with not being enough.  Not contributing enough.  Being in a career that doesn’t really mean anything.  And mostly because I have thought – “What good could my job POSSIBLY be doing to build God’s Kingdom”.   I recently earned a promotion and in my new role I am less hands on and more on the planning side of our organization.  The definition of “what I do” has literally changed over night.  At first I struggled with this minor identity crisis.  But as I prayed for answers and dug into the word it became very clear to me that none of that matters.  Sure it affords me to pay my bills, and feed my family.  So it is necessary – but it doesn’t matter WHAT I do.  Instead, its very clear to me – after years of searching – that what matters is HOW I do it.

One’s work ethic, dependability, and propensity to do what is right (even when nobody is watching) are demonstrations of his/her character.  Character is a testimony to one’s belief system.  As a believer in Christ, it is my goal to model my behavior after Jesus.  So HOW I do my job is the important part- not WHAT I do.  So – What do I do?  I represent Christ the best I can.  I am not perfect but I am progressing.  

Today – I am going to love God, love people and be the example that My Father expects me to be, even in meetings… even on conference calls… even when I have to deal with that difficult customer…. and even later when I have to do laundry.  I won’t love doing laundry – but I will love God and Others… Nothing in the Bible says I have to love doing laundry – right?