Warriors

My job in school technology provides me the opportunity to view many coworkers throughout the day. It is the dedication of those who work under the area of special education and counseling that constantly amaze me. Some of their daily challenges include children that are autistic, hyperactive, nonverbal, limited in mobility, homeless, pregnant, abused, unloved, angry, aggressive, lacking basic social skills or in need of a bath and clean clothes.  They have endless meetings with parents and guardians to keep them informed.  Then back in the office, they dot the i’s and cross the t’s on tedious government rules, regulations and paperwork to defend against lawsuits that are inherent to dealing with these issues.  

They also must keep up-to-date on the newest state and federal rules and regulations which involve many tiresome conferences.  In their free time, many of them work on their own continuing education in their field of specialty.  At the end of the day they see precious little results for their efforts.  Then they get up and do it again. Many of their cases seem hopeless yet they persevere. They are warriors. If you think that makes them a sad, depressed group, you would be wrong.  They greet everyone with a smile, laugh and enjoy the people around them.  

They do this job as if working for the Lord himself and it is obvious to me that they have a deep faith in God that keeps them going against such overwhelming odds. What I have observed is that their lives are not separated into secular and Holy.  What they do every day is done through the power of their faith in God. They are missionaries in the truest sense.  Their work life is a continuum of their faith.  What they do daily, they do out of a love for God and his children.  

I see them as described in these verses.  

Colossians 3:17,23-24 NIV

[17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

We could all learn from these educators.  Do we separate our lives into the secular and the Holy?  Is a mail carrier, mechanic, or lawyer less in need of doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus or should they separate their lives so that a relationship with Christ is left at home? Should God be reserved for high Holy days?  Unless you are a telemarketer or a thief, your job is probably an answer to a need! And what is more, you probably have a need for direction, wisdom and guidance. Know that you too are appointed by God and very much require his presence and direction throughout your day.  

The life of Jesus was not divided into secular and Holy.  Wherever he was, whatever he did, it was with and for his Father.  I know what you are thinking.  “But that was Jesus and applying that to our vocation is going from the sublime to the ridiculous.”  It seems that way when we compare our life to Jesus' life.  However, we all know we need patience in our job, doing what we do, dealing with issues and people that are difficult. We all need to view our work as Holy and appointed by the Lord.  We need to make every day a take-God-to-work day.  We need to be reminded of this scripture often:  

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

[31] So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

According to the Apostle Paul, we are not to divide our lives up into secular and Holy because it is all for the glory of God. Whether we are taking care of our bodies by eating and drinking or at work answering to a boss, we are to do it as if for the Lord. What if before leaving for work, we checked to see if we are taking our lunch, keys, phone, wallet and our relationship to Christ with us?  Can you imagine the change in our workday if we remembered He loves us, appointed us, and is in control?