Will Work for Food

For what seems like at least the last ten years, there was a man standing at one of the interstate highway exits near the University of Cincinnati holding a sign that read, "Will work for food." I will admit that every time I saw him I couldn't help thinking, "Well, yes. Me too. I work for food." I am beginning to believe I was wrong. I am beginning to think that I don't work for food… or clothing… or housing.

Since recently resigning my position at the church I have been serving for almost 20 years I am, for the first time in over a quarter of a century, looking at the possibility of being unemployed. I am, quite honestly, surprised at how the prospect of not having a job has unnerved me. I will admit that the cessation of income is a bit bothersome but not earth shaking. As my childhood pastor once said, "I am not hung up on money, but my creditors sure are." Fortunately, other than a mortgage, I have no creditors. That aside, having money for things like gasoline (Soon to become a major purchase.) and food and clothes does sound like a good thing. And health insurance… health insurance would be good. Making the house payments would be nice.

But as I watch and wait and listen and look for where God might lead me next, I am beginning to realize that I don't just work for food… or money or the stuff that money enables me to buy. I work for a whole lot more than that. My work, doing ministry, brings meaning and purpose and fulfillment to my life. I am told by some of my friends and colleagues that I am supposed to find meaning and purpose in other ways and what I do is just a job. And on some level, they may be correct. But I don't fully agree with them. Not since my work is ministry. Being a Christian is not something I do, it is who I am. And doing ministry is not an activity, it is not a profession, it is not a vocation, it is not a job. For me, it is a way of life… a calling of God.

So, as I pray and seek God's will for my future, I am discovering that I don't work for food. I work to fulfill God's purpose for my life. But go ahead and send the check.

Copyright © 2011, William T. McConnell, All Rights Reserved