Café - Hot Topic

Recently at a party, I asked them, “Are you able to serve God and your faith in your job?” Their answers both surprised and reassured me, and generated even more questions.

Cheryl, who works at a wealth management firm, mentioned the difference between “living to work” and “working to live,” she’s noticed between Americans and Europeans. “In America, your job defines you. That’s the first thing we ask someone. In Europe, they ask where you vacation.” She hates the way her job defines her and is considering graphic design or — her passion and college major — theatre.

Marie, who works in corporate real estate, is working on her MBA. She is learning about service. “Corporate culture corrupts or makes its employees excel. I want to be a manager that inspires people.”

Lindsey, who works as a registered nurse, said, “My whole life at work is about giving of myself, but that doesn’t make other jobs any less important.” To her, honest work at any level is important and contributes to the common good. “I don’t think people of faith have to work in a service job to still be people of faith.”

When I was 21, on the verge of my senior year at college and dying to try my skills in the real world, I interned with Women of the ELCA to help develop the first issue of Café. During that summer I felt inspired. I was combining my passion and education to create something good. I decided that summer to always find ways to use my education, interests, and skills to serve my faith and the global community.

Then I graduated. I waitressed, interned at a magazine, and made cocktails and coffee. Over the course of two years, I mailed approximately 200 resumes to non-profits, big-profits, and everything in between, trying to get a “real job.”

Today, I work as a technical writer. I write reports and user guides that translate “software engineer-speak” for our customers and clients. It’s not my life’s work, but I like it. It’s a good job.

Have I failed my mission to serve God every day in my work? Shouldn’t I spend the long hours I spend working serving my passions and my community?

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Some of us may clearly hear God’s voice calling in the night, but most of us do not. If we want to hear God, we need to stop, be quiet, and actively listen for God:

Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Then we can feel a nudge, or even a push.

However God’s call comes to them, biblical figures show us a variety of responses to it. Jonah flees from God’s call for a while — a disastrous move for the people on a boat in a stormy sea with him. After some time in the belly of a great fish, Jonah decides to go in the direction God is asking. “OK, OK, I’ll go to Ninevah!"

In sharp contrast is the story of Jesus’ call to Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. He was a blind beggar, who sat by the roadside on the way out of Jericho. When he heard Jesus and company passing by, he yelled out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The people around him tried to make him stop crying out, but he would not.

Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." Mark 10:49

Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants him to do, and Bartimaeus has a quick reply: “Let me see again.” Jesus tells him that his faith has made him well; he regains his sight and follows Jesus on the way. In story after story, those who need God’s mercy, healing and direction are given the opportunity to join the way of Jesus, to live a new and abundant life.