We generally associate “holy professions” as pastors, priest, missionaries and evangelists. But there is much to learn from a simple paperboy.
Sam over at New Breed of Advertisers posted this poem last week:
Sodden
soaked to the skin
our paperboy protects
his precious parcels
neglecting himself
Sam says that the paperboy displays a holy attitude, because “his work energizes…it produces value….and is an act of service.”
He summarizes, “At the heart of work – done in a Christ-like manner – is service and sacrifice for the sake of others.”
This got us to thinking about what drives most people to work at a particular job– the paycheck. They often choose a job based on the compensation package, the benefits and the wages. And in the end, they are left wanting because they aren’t fulfilled.
We are most fulfilled when we work for the right reasons. We place too much emphasis on both the pay and duties of the job instead of the attitude. The employer doesn’t have to be a charity or a church or a people-oriented organization. It doesn’t have to save animals or the environment or souls to be deemed righteous.
Arguably, there is no employer that a Christian could not work for and make a difference.
The paperboy delivers a paper full of bad news, ads promoting crass commercialism, stories of selfish ambitions and self-promoting leaders. But God says, “do it with all your heart.”
Beyond the paycheck. Beyond the organization’s mission. Beyond the superficial. We are called to serve God in whatever we do.
Read Sam’s full post here and make sure you leave a comment.
We’re interested. Have you ever worked at a job for the wrong reasons? Leave a comment here.
Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In