Jesus: The Ideal Employee

25th in a series on how men and women in the Bible

deal with waiting, disappointment and unemployment

 Jesus: The Ideal Employee

Reflections on Luke 9:21-27

What do Pastor Lee Jong-rak, Rick Rescorla, Dr Megan Coffee have in common?  For starters, I’ve never heard of any of them and secondly they did something amazing that affected many lives.  Pastor Lee in South Korea took in mentally handicapped or unwanted babies, to stop them being abandoned on the side of the road.  Rick was the security director for Morgan Stanley during 9/11. Thanks to his preparedness, he helped all but 13 of Morgan Stanley's 2700 employees escape. And Dr. Coffee as a specialist in infectious diseases, has been working in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010.  She still works there, without pay, taking public transport to work, treating patients.

What recognition do we need to stay in our current job?  Or what do we think we need in order to thrive and grow in our particular situation?  The message of the world around us is to seek every advantage for yourself, you can do anything if you put your mind to it and follow your passions.  Whereas, it appears that the message of biblical Christianity is to seek first the kingdom of God, strive for excellence for the sake of others, do what God has equipped you to do and follow Jesus Christ at all costs.  

Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”  Could it be that saving of our lives, though a natural function, must be denied and the losing of our lives is an unnatural function, must be desired?  If this is true, the follower of Christ will be following a very different set of principles, but ones that will in the long run bring the most satisfaction…but not without consequence.  

Pastor Lee gave up his own comfort to serve the least of these.  Mr Rescorla could have died by staying longer than was safe.  Dr. Coffee, with her talent and skill, certainly could have attained notoriety in the U.S.  What do they understand about meaning in this life that many of us do not?  

Having been involved in the job-seeking world, I have seen at least two paths of the unemployed: 1) Self pity, anger, bitterness and blame or 2) Humility, acceptance and a genuine desire to help others in the same situation.  Fortunately, some who start in the first position often end up in the second.  I contend that those who have suffered, i.e. been unemployed and struggled to make ends meet, are the most compassionate, wise and helpful toward others in need.  It is true that periods of deprivation make us more appreciative of the little that we do have.  

But does it work?  Does this life of self denial and following principles that are completely other-centered lead to a more satisfying life?  What is Jesus talking about when he refers to losing our soul?  Do our day-to-day decisions really make a difference for eternity?   

I would contend that we do not need to wait for the life here-after to find out the answers to these questions.  Just like the three people I mentioned above, we can evaluate whether the lives they have chosen are worthwhile.  We certainly have at our fingertips countless stories of sacrifice.  And, as I mentioned, I have watched many come through our job seeking network and learn principles of job hunting that help not only themselves but others along the way.  

I just read a book where the author purports that in order to be successful one must be fiercely independent.  Thus begs the question: Whose definition of success?  This definition would have to imply the using of others for your betterment.  Not a great way to win friends and influence people.  So, as I’m thinking about my many friends looking for satisfying work, I would like to suggest the following:

1. Do an experiment.  A cost-benefit analysis.

    a. Intentionally put others first.  Look for opportunities to serve.  Be available for others.
    b. Intentionally be selfish.  Avoid situations that require service.  Be first when possible.

2. Examine the life of Christ by reading the Gospels.  Who were his friends and enemies?  What kind of people were attracted to him and who was repulsed?  
3. Reflect on your own work history.  Have you been most satisfied in a culture where people served each other in a sacrificial way or one where each was only concerned for themselves?
4. Play out two scenarios: 
   a. You performed a job where at the end of the day your soul was so fed that you couldn’t imagine doing anything else more satisfying.
   b. The job you were asked to do drained you to the point that you felt like if you had to go back one more day you just couldn’t make it.

5. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ recognize that you bring the kingdom of God with you wherever you go.  The power of the Holy Spirit flows through you and can enable you to transform any situation by enabling you to serve beyond what you thought you were capable.