Whatever You Do

Colossians 3:23-24
​23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

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In everything we do, including our profession, we are to serve the Lord.  On July 1, I started a new job at our local technical college, with the title, Program Manager for Business, Information Technology, and Professional Development.  I am in the Workforce and Economic Development Department.  I’ve shown up everyday.  I’ve been trying to learn both computer systems and the hierarchical system.  I’ve been trying to find my way, and figure out how to do what I’m supposed to do to meet the goals set for our department. It wasn’t until this week, however, that I realized how I serve the Lord in this new role that He, undoubtedly, placed me in!  

Last week, I attended a conference sponsored by the SC Chamber of Commerce.  It was the first time I ever heard our Governor speak in-person.  One thing he emphasized was that all jobs are important.  He talked about the Profile of the SC Graduate, and said that’s what he tells businesses the SC workforce is like.  This was a full-circle moment for me because in my previous role, as K-12 Science Instructional Specialist, I had shared the profile numerous times, with teachers, to show them the skills we wanted to develop in our students. This week, on Thursday, I was emailed the list of classes people in our service area had requested thus far in 2024.  I was astounded by the number of people who have asked for American Sign Language (ASL).  Why?  I cannot answer that, but it’s my job to make it happen.

My job is to help people in our area meet their short-term educational goals.  The reason they want a particular class is not for me to discern, and reasons can vary greatly!  It’s my job to find a qualified instructor, work with him/her to develop a curriculum, schedule the class, advertise it, and reserve a classroom, and ensure the instructor is paid.  I also try to visit for a portion of the course, even if it’s on a Saturday.  I have students evaluate the course, then I work with the instructor to make any, consistently suggested changes, and I schedule to offer the course again, to even more people. 

How am I serving the Lord through my work, you ask!  Work is a necessity.  1 Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  The way we provide for our relatives is through our work income.  Work requires certain skills, licenses, and certifications, which we provide in Workforce and Economic Development. In our department, we offer short-term classes, not degrees that take years, but classes that typically lead to a SC license or certificate, which leads to a job.  We do not adhere to semesters, we offer courses all the time and anytime!  The Professional Development part of my job could be anything - like American Sign Language.  I don’t know why so many people want to learn ASL, but maybe they have a child or grandchild who is deaf and the child is learning sign language at school, but the parents and other relatives need to know it, too!  Maybe someone has a deaf friend at work they want to be able to communicate with - maybe they want to learn to sign so they can share the Gospel with them!  I need to get this course together!
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How are you working for the Lord in your profession?  I am working for the Lord, not my supervisor, to meet the short-term educational needs of the public so that they can find the work they desire that will be pleasing to them so they, too, can serve the Lord.  Amen. 

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