Dream Job by Louisa Guzman

After 23 years as a school secretary - not a profession I chose, rather one I fell into - I've often wondered if at work I have been useful towards furthering the kingdom of Christ. Have I used my time wisely to show my coworkers who God is? Have they seen in me a true picture of Jesus? After all, says Acts 20:24, life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.

Not everyone wakes up each day happy to go to work. Few are fortunate to have professions or jobs that are perfect for them. But whether you love it or hate it, know that your job was specifically selected by God and that you are employed by Him.

God uses the work you do as one of His tools to mold you into who He wants you to be. If you trust God's choice for the work you do, then your job becomes an opportunity for Him to teach you and make you your best self.

In my case, by meeting deadlines, completing assigned tasks with excellence, and showing respect for my coworkers, God teaches me valuable life lessons, such as responsibility, cooperation, flexibility, humility, patience and good relationship skills.  From having dealt with many difficult people these past 23 years, I have learned to love and forgive. My job has taught me how to serve with humility, because it's easy to serve at church, but on the job it's a whole 'nother story. I'm certain that by my actions and words I may very well be the only picture of Jesus my co-workers and the school community ever sees, for Jesus says that "whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for Me" [Matthew 25:40].

Whatever your job or profession may be, what's important is having the right attitude about what you do. Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God [1 Corinthians 10:31].

My Way or The Highway

by Christina Calvache

Back in the day, during the 70’s and 80’s, “My Way or the High Way” was an expression used to signify an ultimatum. Bosses and Boyfriends would use this term and you would know what it meant: no compromise, no reasoning, no choice. Luckily, we follow a God who has the ultimate say but would never give us an ultimatum.

Jesus said to Levi, (Luke 5:27-28) "Follow me,” and Levi got up, left everything and followed Him. How admirable is Levi for dropping everything and following Jesus? Isn’t this what Jesus says to all of us? As for me, and I’m sure you too, it is not always that easy.

Every day we make choices and exercise the privilege of “Free Will”. It is good to weigh our options, make pros and cons lists, or ask advice from trustworthy people. But we need to remember the Word tells us that “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14 KJV). The grass is not always greener on the other side. Something may seem like a good thing, and although it may not have catastrophic effects, it may not be God’s best for your life.

God loves us so much that he allows us to decide what we will do in every matter we face. He gives us guidance and wisdom on making decisions. And if we learn to seek Him and his ways, He will show us what He knows we should do.

When I have big decisions to make, like where to live, work, or which schools my kids should attend, I seek the High Way”. Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial (1 Co 10:23). Sadly, I learned this the hard way. And although hearing from the Lord is not always clear or quick, I am confident that when I seek Him, I find Him (Matt 7:7). I encourage you to seek Him too.

He will show you the way!

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Let Me Show You A Better Way

Have you wondered about what your spiritual gifts are? When thinking about this topic, I was reminded of a particular scripture, "Let Me show you a better way." (1 Corinthians 12:31)

Prior to "showing us a better way", 1 Corinthians 12 lists (verse 8-11) some of the spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit to believers. There are gifts of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, the gift of faith, healing, works of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues. The gifts don't stop there. There are gifts of generosity, gifts of serving, teaching, encouragement, and more.(Romans 12:6-8)

There's great news about these gifts and their use. First, all of God works through all the gifts by the power of the Holy Spirt. Secondly, the gifts are to be used to profit all believers. Thirdly, no one and their gifts is more important than anyone else - every gift is valuable!

At this point, you may be wondering about your gifts. "But let me show you a better way". Everyone in the body of Christ has access to the most important gift. On this one gift hangs all of the commandments. This is the gift of love.

Why is the gift of love so important? If the use of any gift isn't rooted in love, the gift is worth little, to no value. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

While it is important that we know what our gifts are and that we use them to help strengthen the body of Christ, lets be sure that first and foremost we are exercising the most important gift- the gift of love. This is the better way!

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬