Submit and Serve
A couple weeks ago, I was determined to find a new job. I obtained 3 phone interviews in a rather short period of time. Having found my first job through an agency and failing horribly at networking or finding one on my own, I felt pretty good about myself. I got a bit ahead of myself, starting to evaluate offers and which opportunities would be best for me, when I really only had 3 interviews. That’s the problem with planning ahead, it’s easy to let the carriage get ahead of the horses.
God finds a way to humble me, as always. I got rejected from all 3 places. It's okay though, I say that without an ounce of disappointment because in hindsight, and even throughout the application process, I got the feeling that none of those places were where I really wanted to go. They were just better options from a crappy situation.
While I thought I came to the resolution that my current company was crap and I should move on, I never quite liked idea of who I was becoming at this place. My vision when I joined this company, was to take those dark and gloomy faces and bring a little more light into their worlds. I told myself I would never become jaded and burnt out, and resentful of management. I did. I became a complainer, a miserable 9 to 5 grunt worker stuck on the corporate hamster wheel where money trumps all.
As soon as I realized this place affecting my health and sanity, I wanted to jump ship rather selfishly. But the thing is Jesus went to the needy and helped them. He ran into the fire, not away from it.
It’s been several weeks and I finally had a real conversation with my boss, I realized I have been unintentionally sabotaging the company. My vision of making this place more human and value-driven was very different from the objective of the company which is ultimately 'To sell more cigarettes'. I never quite agreed with that vision, so I tried to influence change and defied authority. Tried to make this place more like I thought it should be. But vision and direction comes from the top.
“Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh...For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you as an example, so that you should follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:18-21
While I do not agree with that vision, I can defer to it and I’ve made my peace. I am here to serve the company. Jesus didn't come to earth guns blazing, rewriting all the laws and ruling with an iron fist. He obeyed silly human law to served us. He became like us to win us over.
“For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the Law) so that I might win those under the law.... I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
I don’t give a rats ass about selling cigarettes. But while I am here, I am here to glorify God. No matter where I go, that is my purpose. May I never forget it.