Who do you work for? Typically, when we hear this question we answer with the name of our company. However, the real answer should be what’s buried in our hearts.
Let me share a real story with you that will help explain.
I’ve worked at the same company for almost ten years. I’ve had three different bosses, titles, and various responsibilities. I’ve also had three VP’s, all of who have wanted to make changes and leave their mark. I’ve worked hard and smart. I tried to become a great people leader, to build a team that is unified, that works together, having team-first attitudes, and simultaneously building quality programs we could all be proud of.. While doing this I’ve had a prize I was aiming for, a title I’ve strived for. And every so often it would seem just within grasp and then “Poof! Gone again.”
A few years ago, the “poof” moment came again but hit a little harder.
The VP made changes. Our department was reorg’d.
My role changed. Significantly.
It was presented as an opportunity for me, even being told: “I should be excited.”
To say the least, that viewpoint vastly differed than mine.
Let me be real with you and share: I cried the entire day. I came home and cried at the unfairness of it, shouted at how hard I had worked, telling my husband I felt I had been stripped of every piece of hard work over the last several years. Throughout the entire evening, I battled between feeling wronged and the ridiculousness of my reaction. The absurdity that I would let something at work wreck me so much when there are real issues in life. At one point in the midnight hours, I was drafting my resignation letter in my head, while saying, “God if it’s not your best I don’t want it” and yet recognizing my words and actions didn’t match my words. At some point I resolved with a more heartfelt prayer to the effect of “Lord, tomorrow is a new day, please give me a word that shines light on this situation. Help me be focused on You above all else.”
The next morning when I sat in my prayer chair this is a summary of the devotional I read.
“The Enemy’s Plan Against You”
For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16
There was a 3-pronged attack Satan tried against Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11.
- Physical gratification – (make us crave something to the point we are preoccupied. Sex, food, drugs, alcohol) Matthew 4:3-4
- Materialism – (make us want to acquire things to the point we lust for more and more stuff) Matthew 4:8-10
- Boastfulness- (make us boast about what we have or do. Keeping us distracted by status and significance) Matthew 4:5-7
Ouch. Is this what I’ve been doing?
Have I been so concerned with elevating myself to something the world calls worthy?
Have I been working for the approval of others?
Was having the title more important than what it should be?
Back to the original question, “Who do I work for?”
My answer should have been Jesus.
I say “should have” been because the truth is, I wasn’t. I was working for a lot of other reasons…for myself/pride, for others/approval of others, for the glory of title/self-worth. I felt deeply frustrated, hurt, and unsure. Which doing good work and feeling those emotions in and of itself isn’t bad but allowing those desires and emotions to be more important than Christ, and allowing my emotions to rule my words and actions is.
My focus veered off of God, and became “why me?” Ever done that? Instead of pausing, praying, and asking “God what can I learn here and use for Your glory?”, I let my emotions run wild at least for a time.
But God… comfort came in the intimate word He gave to me, clearly showing up with His living word and truth.
So, while I processed my hurt and questions, I ultimately clung to what He shared finally understanding…
It’s a matter of surrender.
It’s a matter of trusting the Lord with it all.
To surrender everything, to trust Him with all things, including my work.
- Psalm 90:17
And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish the work of our hands for us, yes establish the work of our hands.
- Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.
Lord, thank you for showing up so clearly in the Word. Thank you for caring and being in the details. Help me remember it’s not the world I want approval from but You alone. Help me stay focused in my everyday life, including my job, to serve an audience of One. Lord, help me answer the question “Who do I work for?” as Jesus, no matter the job or task. May my work be pleasing to You and focused on being the salt and light wherever you place me. In Jesus Name. Amen.
This week’s playlist:
All About You
Tauren Wells
Letting Go
Ryan Proudfoot
Rejoice
Andrew Ripp
Written April 2, 2019
