Working Like Jesus
I’ve been so tired lately, but not from overworking. My father, who used to rise early in the morning often complained to my mom that he needed more sleep. I understood because he was working excessively, sometimes clocking in over 14 hours a day. I believe Jesus was proud, especially because my father was always honest and charitable in his work.
My weariness is very different from my dad or Jesus. While Jesus did plenty of work with his hands, my father was both a businessman and a professor.
I am exhausted from going from job to job, only to leave because I find the work unholy. I often walk away because Jesus would not want me to continue lying, or doing whatever is necessary for the company’s bottom line.
Claiming to Work Like Jesus
When I entered the workforce after college, I became friendly with a couple who lectured me about Jesus. They told me abortion was wrong because Jesus says so, divorce is wrong because Jesus says so, and on and on. However, the thing I remember most was the husband was a big-time sales rep for a major beer distributor and I wondered to myself whether that was what Jesus wanted for him.
These were during the years before I found Christ. I was in my early 20’s just trying to figure out who I was after being brought up by a loving Jewish family that tried to obey God’s word.
After turning my life to Christ years later, I tried to do everything he would want from me. I have been finding this very difficult as I know he doesn’t expect me to be perfect and that grace is a gift. But on the other hand, I don’t believe it gives me a license to steal or lie to put food on the table.
I’ve seen many self-described Christians make several unfortunate decisions just to squeeze a few extra dollars into their savings account. They can justify it, because it’s “only business” and no one is really getting hurt.
I can’t do that. I will not work just to capitalize on others rather than add value to their lives. My last two jobs I excelled at greatly and was showered with gifts and money. However, they both required me to lie to get sales. I’ve since left both those jobs.
When I talked to one employer, she said she was a devout Christian and would never do anything that would mislead people. She said, “not everything is so cut and dry.” My employer knows better than to believe Jesus would accept such a weak rationalization.
Let’s Add Value Rather Than Profits
I know in my heart that though forgiveness was given to me on the cross, I must work harder to put Christianity back into capitalism. Being Christian means working hard, but honestly. It also requires benevolence and generosity to others.
I’m not sure where I’m headed next in my professional life. I’m hoping to let Jesus steer the wheel a bit. We all know how Jesus behaved towards the people who turned the temple into a marketplace as well as his dealings with tax collectors.
I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 16:14 which said, “Let all that you do be done with love.” I want to make a difference in the work I do, and I’ll keep passing on jobs until I find somewhere I could both live and love like Jesus.
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