Happy Thanksgiving!

I’ve met interesting people over the past years of pastoring. I learn about many things in life by the experiences and stories of others.
Everyone has a story. Everyone has one life to live. At some point we all have wrestled with the question, “Why am I here?” or “What am I going to do with my life?”
For some the calling becomes clear early in life; for others, they struggle for a lifetime.
While I may not fully answer the question specifically for you, let me suggest your question changes slightly, but importantly.
Instead of asking, “What am I going to do with my life?” ask, “God, what do you want me to do with my life?”
This second question leads me to consider there may be direction that I have been missing because I’ve been trying to figure it out on my own.
God doesn’t usually come to you specifically and tell you the job and/or career you are supposed to have, but he does set a few underlying principles that give meaning and purpose to whatever job or career you find yourself in.
First, in whatever you do, glorify God! “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
A primary question before any task or any job acceptance or career direction is to ask, “Can I do this job/career to the glory of God? Will this job allow me opportunities to express and share my faith or will it be a situation that shuts down or stands in the way of my faith?” Let life be about glorifying your Savior and giving thanks to God the Father for all the talents and abilities he has given to you.
Second, in whatever you do, serve others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
I remember one of my leadership mentors, John Maxwell, via his books, say, “Add value to others and they will add value to you.” His point was to always approach life and leadership with a servant heart and mindset. Do not let life revolve around you and be lived with an expectation that everyone else was born to serve you. Remember Jesus himself did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Whatever abilities, whatever job you have, use it to serve others, be a blessing to others, add value to others.
So what does that all mean today?  You may not be in your dream job or career, or most days you may “hate” going to work. But what if you repent of engaging in life trying to get all YOU can out of it and rather engage in life and live to give to others what God has given to you!
Go about your tasks today with the mindset of adding value to people today and ask God to show you how and where to do that. Thrive at work, because every day is a day to give thanks for all God has given to you and use what he has given to serve others.
Today is going to be a great day. Life is going to be a great life!
Lord, thank you for giving your all for me so that my life might be spent giving glory to you and serving others with the same love you have given to me. Amen.
(This column is based on a book by Randy Frazee titled, “Believe.")