Month: May 2024

The Secret of Job Contentment

This week’s chapter of The Man in the Mirror is titled “The Secret of Job Contentment.” This week the author invites us to explore the topic of contentment in our professional lives. This chapter addresses the keys to job satisfaction but also the deeper, spiritual alignment of our work with God’s purposes.

The distinction between wants and needs is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and a key theme in this chapter. Often, our career ambitions drive us — whether to gain significance, authority, wealth, prestige, or respect.  While these pursuits are not inherently sinful, they can distract us from what God wants for us. He wants us to find dignity and purpose in our work.

The author also suggests that a major secret to job contentment lies in redefining what we truly need vs. what we want.

Our circumstances do not determine our contentment; rather, our faith and trust in God do. This requires us to redefine our boss, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord. While we have earthly employers or clients, the ultimate authority and ownership rest with God. He has the final interest in all things, and by serving our earthly bosses as representatives of God’s authority, we can align our work with His kingdom.

To embrace contentment in our jobs, we must also learn not to try to control the future with our own plans but to trust in God’s plan for us—one day at a time. As Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Through this chapter, we learn that job contentment is not about achieving all our desires but about aligning our needs with God’s purpose, trusting in His plan, and serving Him faithfully in every aspect of our work.

In seeking job contentment, it might help us to think of our work not just as a means to an end but as a significant part of God’s plan for our lives (which it is). When we redefine our ambitions and view our daily tasks through the lens of serving God, every action gains a deeper meaning and purpose. This shift encourages us not only to pursue excellence in our roles but also to find joy in even the mundane tasks, knowing they contribute to a greater mission.

Questions:

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? — Like the other chapters in TMITM book, this chapter sounds very logical and, in many ways, obvious. But, also like other chapters, some of the ideas seem a little impractical or even daunting?

2. One of the ideas in today’s lesson is that we should avoid trying to control the future with our plans? Does that mean we are supposed to avoid making plans?

3. In what ways can we see our role at work as serving God, not just our earthly employer?

4. Do you believe that trusting in God’s plan, one day at a time, can help alleviate pressures related to our career ambitions? If so, how?

5. Based on today’s lesson, what would you say is the key to job contentment?

Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose

As we continue with the fourth week of “The Man in the Mirror,” today’s chapter challenges us with a deep question: “Why do I exist?” This goes beyond the everyday roles we play—whether as professionals, parents, friends, or partners—and touches the core of our existence. As we navigate our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the what without stopping to consider the why.

In the ‘goals vs. purpose’ discussion, he notes that goals are WHAT we do, and our purpose is WHY we do it. He distinguishes between the fleeting satisfaction derived from worldly goals and the enduring joy found in living out our divine purpose. This distinction influences our motivation and the fulfillment we derive from our actions.

God’s purpose for our lives is THE reason we exist, and once we understand His purpose for us, then we can set goals to move in that direction. So, one litmus test is to simply ask ourselves, “Why am I pursuing this goal?”. This simple but powerful question may help us determine if we are aligned with God’s plan. Of course, there may be some gray areas, but in many cases, the answer might be closer to the “worldly” end or the “Godly” end of the range.

For instance, consider pursuits like improving a golf handicap or climbing the corporate ladder. While these activities might seem worldly or secular, if they are part of a broader effort to glorify God and love others—possibly by building community or living with integrity & discipline—they can indeed align with our spiritual purpose. However, if such pursuits become ends in themselves or primary goals, they might lead us away from our true calling.

Purpose is not a destination but a journey marked by continual effort to align our talents and opportunities with God’s will. This path involves using our unique gifts in our homes, professions, community, or other daily interactions to serve and glorify God, fulfilling the Great Commission and contributing to His kingdom.

As we reflect on our purpose, here is a scripture from Colossians 3:23 to help keep us aligned correctly: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This verse reminds us that our purpose in all endeavors should be to serve and honor God and that our goals should be aligned with this purpose.

Questions:

  1. What was your biggest take-away from today’s lesson? Were there any ‘a-ha’ moments?
  2. Reflecting on your current goals, would you say they are mostly aligned with your Godly purpose?
  3. Can you think of a time when pursuing a worldly goal distracted you from your spiritual purpose? If you were able to get back on track, how did you realign yourself with God’s plan?
  4. Based on today’s lesson, if you were helping someone better align their “what” with their “why”, what are some practical steps you would suggest?