Words of Hope: Whose Job
Growing up, Dad was assigned family jobs. Mine was to haul wood to the basement every Saturday and clean up after the dog. This last task wasn’t easy. We had a substantial 140-pound black lab named Challenger, and he is the reason I prefer tiny dogs now. Dad loved Challenger and told endless, hysterical stories about life with this humongous pet. Jay, my brother, and I are ten years apart in age. As Jay grew up and I moved to college, my jobs became his. I was happy to pass on these jobs, but I’ve struggled with delegation for most of my life.
Dad and I often talked about jobs—who is in charge? Who is responsible for the task? Delegation is required to fulfill missions in life. I tend to shun delegation. I like to ensure the job is done—the way I want it done. I also like to jump into tasks that are not mine—none more often than with God. The other day I was deep in thought about a specific need, and it struck me—this is not my job. I have no ability on my own to influence, move, improve, or do this job. My mental concern and “work” on this job does nothing. I am out of my lane, wasting time, and avoiding the tasks and jobs I have been assigned. God’s job is not my job. He has given me my jobs, and that is my responsibility.
My Job:
Seek God—Matt 6:33
Trust Him— Romans 15:13
Confess sins— I John 1:9
Forgive others—Eph 4:32
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances 1 Thess. 5:17
Wait for the Lord Ps 31
Praise and bless the Lord—Ps 34, 103
Etc…
Not my Job:
Worry about the future- Phil. 4
Judge others—Matthew 7
Take Revenge—Romans 8
Earn my salvation—Eph. 2:8-9
Consider myself more highly than I ought- Phil. 2
Be God—Genesis 3:1-24
Etc…
This week I have been seeking to recognize- Is this my job or God’s job? And then to ask forgiveness to Him when I try to micromanage and forget the tasks I am asked to do. God is at work. I can trust Him.
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” – Philippians 2:13
