Some people, upon hearing about the World Race, have said something along the lines of, “Why would you pay to do something this when you could be spending those 11 months working and actually earning money?” Or, “Wouldn’t it be better to find a job that will provide security and opportunities for advancement?”
I understand where questions and statements such as these come from. I know that they are from people who care about me and want to see me happy and successful.
We are all familiar with the “American Dream.” Good job, nice house, picture perfect family. The recipe for happiness.
In some ways that would be nice, and for some people, that is where God has placed them and wants them to serve him. He needs people spreading his light everywhere. But that is not for everyone. I would be lying if I said that is what I want, at least at this point in my life. (Not that God always gives you what you want- He has definitely surprised me and turned my plans around- see my previous entry for more details on that!)
I spent many years trying my best to live up to the expectations I had set for myself, which I believed were the standards by which other people would judge me. I wanted them to look at me and say, “Good job!” To be completely honest, I even got little bit frustrated when someone who had been at the same store for a shorter amount of time than me got promoted, even though my supervisors made it clear that they appreciated my work. Before I was even in the “adult world,” I fell into the trap of titles and awards being what mattered.
It is something that I continue to struggle with. I see what some friends and acquaintances have accomplished and I want it too. If we are honest with ourselves, who has not done that at one time or another?
Then I try to remind myself- or God needs to remind me: there is more.
As far as the question about money is concerned, it comes down to two main points. One is that everything belongs to God. We are just his stewards here on earth. Yes, we need money for just about everything simply because of the way society is set up. But that brings in the second: we need to trust that he will provide for our needs. Matthew 6 gives us the illustration of the flowers of the field and the birds of the air. We are told not to worry, but rather to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” with the promise that all we need will be given to us (emphasis: all we need, not all we want- two entirely different things!).
In regards to the second question, relating to job security and advancement opportunities: there is nothing inherently wrong with it. However, as is the case with money, work has the potential to be a distraction from what we should be focused on- even turning into an idol. Director, manager, CEO…those are the positions you are supposed to strive for in our culture.
If we look at the Bible, though, it paints a different picture. Luke 22:27 says, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus gives us the perfect example of servant leadership. Here is an excerpt from Robert Greenleaf’s The Servant as Leader (found on greenleaf.org):
The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…
In defining servant leadership, the page goes on:
A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.
I don’t know about you, but I know what sounds better to me. The World Race is 11 months focused on serving others. That is what drew me to it in the first place, and along with the chance to live in constant community with others desiring to know God more, it is what I most look forward to.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to share! I would also like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with me to share the gospel with the nations. I cannot do it on my own. Anything helps, whether it is $10, $100, or $1000. See the entry titled “My Support Letter” for more details. There are links on the side to donate (“Support Me!”) as well as subscribe to blog updates!
