Just say “whatever”

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

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. Colossians 3:17

Kent Falls photo by Jill Rushbrook

When I was in college, I changed my major three times. I started out as an Elementary Education major and found out very quickly that teaching the little ones was not my calling. Then I changed my major to Psychology, but when I found out I had to take Research Methods and Statistics (ugh), I decided to just declare Psychology as a minor. So, I changed my major to English, thinking that I could use my love of reading and writing for something, but was not exactly sure what I would end up doing as a career. What is ironic is that I now help college students do exactly what I needed help with…exploring career options and creating academic plans. I know from first-hand experience how stressful it can be to figure out what you want to do, but have to come to realize a few things. 1) we all have unique gifts 2) whatever we end up doing, we need to do it for the Lord 3) we should give thanks for whatever we do!

I think sometimes we can get so stressed about selecting a single perfect profession, that we lose focus on being called to commit whatever we do to the Lord. We all have unique gifts and, oftentimes, multiple talents to be used by and for God on earth. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6  More often than not, each of us has numerous abilities that can be applied to a variety of different vocations, but with so many choices, there is sometimes a fear that one could choose the “wrong” career. Today’s culture pushes the idea of pursuing your dream job. Don’t get me wrong, there are professions that are better suited for each of us. And, working in a career that you are interested in is ideal. But sometimes, work is just that…work. It is not always glorified and glamorous. But instead of focusing on what we are doing for work, we can shift our focus to how we work.  
Whether you are cashing out customers, teaching third grade, fixing roofs, preparing taxes, mowing lawns, or creating websites, if you do it for God, God will work through you. Even if you are in a job that may not be your ultimate dream, how you work can make all the difference because God can make the difference where you work. How often do we grumble about what we are doing instead of giving thanks that we have something to do? Being able to work is in itself, a blessing. Being able to earn a living is something to always be grateful for. Yes, most jobs include tedious tasks and the dullest duties, but our work can be a way to worship. So, just say “whatever I do, may I glorify you” and give thanks because whatever you do, God can be at work in you!