This morning, I read this point near the end of Dallas Willard’s book Knowing Christ Today:
“Life is primarily devoted to work. All legitimate work is devoted to the creation of value, of what is good to a lesser or greater degree. That was God’s plan. He not only creates; he creates creators–you and me. One of the saddest things in human life is the desecration of work in a loveless world. Discipleship to Jesus…enables individuals to find in their work a divine calling and see the hand of God in their efforts to create what is good and to serve others in love.”
We all work. It’s part of life. But we are bombarded by the message that we need to find work that fills us with a sense of calling so that we can do good and serve others.
Instead, I was struck by his point that we can find in our work a calling. It’s not really about what we do. Or whether we feel like it’s important or valuable. It is valuable. From wiping down tables or poopy bottoms to creating spreadsheets and paintings and three-course dinners, all of it offers a chance to create value, to do good, to serve others. And wherever we find ourselves today, in our life as it is right now, we can engage with our tasks, our neighbors, and with Christ. We can make (even small) investments that build to a greater good and more love for our families and our world. No matter where you work, you can do this…today. So can I.
Let’s create value today. Let’s find calling in our work. Let’s serve others and do good. Let’s open ourselves up to wherever Jesus might want to show up today. Let’s engage.
What are you doing today that brings value or does good for someone else? How can you see yourself as a creator on this Wednesday?
