Like It's My Job
I used to hang out with someone who would always say she was doing this thing or that thing "like it's my job" so it would come out something like: "I'm eating ice cream like it's my job," "I'm watching this television show like it's my job," or "I'm wearing these mis-matched socks like it's my job." Sometimes the phrase could give me quite a chuckle, especially as I considered the idea that one would actually be paid to wear mis-matched socks*.
*I suppose a clown could be paid to wear mis-matched socks - but that's still a funny job!
Unfortunately, I think there a lot of Christians today who approach living their faith "like it's their job." They can become so consumed with painting this wall, building this house or feeding this child that they stop focusing on anything else - I'm just as guilty as anyone. While doing these activities in-and-of themselves isn't a bad thing, the problem arises when we forget to do the things that God has put us in a specific place to do. Looking at it another way, think of the business executive who is so busy working on getting the next big deal in place that he forgets to take his kids to the zoo... while the business deal may be something really great for a lot of people, he's the only dad his kids have and no one else can fulfill that position the way God has prepared him to.
The argument is put forth that it's the Christian's job to take care of the world, and to an extent I suppose that's true... but only to the extent of sharing Jesus and making disciples.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20
That's it - that's what Jesus called us to do. He didn't tell us to paint a wall or build a house or feed a child, He told us to make disciples and obey Him.
Is there something wrong with doing those things? Absolutely not! As a matter of fact, Jesus Himself talked about providing for the widows and orphans and helping those in need**. As a matter of fact:
"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17
But the point of this verse is not on the actions but on the faith that inspires the actions. When we have faith in Christ and draw close to God, we should be inspired to do good works.
**He never really spoke about painting walls, but He strikes me as the kind of guy who could appreciate a good mural.
What I see a lot today is this idea put in reverse - that if we do good deeds we will prove our faith... but it doesn't work like that. This thinking takes our eyes off of God and puts them on the actions... the job - and that's missing the point. Anyone can paint a wall or build a house or feed a child and that doesn't make the action any less valuable or the person any closer to God.
Living a life of faith is not a job... it's a response to God's call on our hearts.
God put each of us in this exact place in space and history to make a unique impact. There are certain things that only you can do... they may be grand, large-scale things or they may be as simple as taking the kids to the zoo, throwing a surprise birthday party, or saying "I love you" at the end of the day... but when they're inspired by faith in God they are supremely important.
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