Swamp Draining Made Easy

Colossians 3:23 admonishes us to “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” I saw a plaque in someone’s office one day that had an interesting saying inscribed. “When you are up to your ears in alligators, it’s hard to remember the original objective was to drain the swamp!”

So often our “jobs” seem to be all about draining the swamp, When we are in the midst of doing the work of three people because of cut-backs, we find very little to be joyful about and we lose focus as to Whom we are working for. How does one find work that is worthwhile and where do you go to find it? I believe that you have already located the position and now, count on the Lord to transform your tasks into worthwhile work.

I just finished reading two inspirational books that addressed the issue of work and how to survive in the workplace. The Janitor written by Todd Hopkins and Ray Hilbert, tells the story of a CEO who got to know the janitor at his corporation.  The six directives that Bob, the janitor, shared with him over a number of weeks enabled the CEO to not only transform his company but, more importantly, transform his life. The Secret Blend written by Stan Toler, a Nazarene Senior Pastor in Oklahoma, tells a similar story about Joe Conrad. Just like the rest of us, Joe needed direction to find joy in his life and work.  When he met Mac at a new coffee shop, he received seven lessons that transformed his life and work.

Do you see the pattern here? If you are looking down on the alligators nipping at your ears, it’s time to make a change by allowing God to transform your life and work so that you can be the kind of irresistible vessel that He can use to help others transform their lives. Whether you choose to read one of the above books or get involved in a small group to address finding satisfaction and joy in vocational work, please know, as believers, we can find fulfillment in even the most mundane swamp work out there. Count on God’s direction in your life and ask Him for His intervention. He is waiting for your plea and He wants to begin the transformation now.