Why is it that the first time we meet someone we always ask what they do for a living? Does it make a difference to us what they do? It shouldn’t. But sadly enough it seems like it does. Whether we admit it or not, people tend to put more value in certain jobs and professions and less in others. “Wow, you’re a Doctor! How nice, you must love it. What do you practice? Tell me more….” As you stand their drooling over what they do. On the contrary, we respond to others with “Oh, you are a (mechanic, plumber, janitor, bus driver, etc.…insert what you wish), really? Do you like that? Do you wish you did something else?” Our responses alone tell the story of how we look at the job and therefore the person doing the job – whether that is the intent or not – it’s often the reality felt by that person.
We also do this inside of our own companies. Certain roles are looked on more prestigiously and others not so much. Titles and pay grades are looked at and admired more than personal character. We give recognition and respect based on a career or job rather than who the person is on the inside. Our greatest role model and example, Jesus Christ, did things very different. Jesus specialized in menial tasks that everyone else tried to avoid: washing feet, helping children, fixing breakfast, and serving lepers. Nothing was beneath him, because he came to serve. It wasn’t in spite of his greatness that he did these things, but because of it, and he expects us to follow his example. There are always going to be more than enough people willing to do the glamorous jobs than people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to do everyday tasks and jobs. Whatever you do, remember, you are really working for God and not men.
Colossians 3:23 ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Galatians 6:3-5 ~ If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
“Dear Lord, help us recognize and respect all people regardless of what they do. Forgive us for looking on the outside. Help us to be more like you and look on the inside of people – at their hearts. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”