Ephesians 4.1
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
When we respond to the call of Christ, our identity is not in the results we produce; our identity is in the God we serve. The world is motivated to perform in order to gain approval (an ego-driven thing) or avoid criticism (a fear-driven thing). The Christian is motivated to serve God and others.
When we are secure in Christ, the ego factor is eliminated; so is the fear factor. When we are secure in Christ, we are liberated to work with greater focus and deeper effort because now our motive is not ego or self-image or approval. Our motive is to serve God and others and to pursue the highest possible standards.
The core principle is profoundly important and needs to be reclaimed by every Christian in every work-related arena: God did not design us to derive our identity from our job; rather, he designed us to express our identity through our job.
However, it is also imperative to understand that results matter. God calls us to work hard and work skillfully to produce results. That is the way God has designed the universe to function (remember: God himself labored and worked to create the world). Working for results is a reality and necessity in every sphere of life. To neglect results is a big mistake.
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The farmer who is not results-oriented will not feed himself, his family, or his community.
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The doctor who is not results-oriented won’t have many patients.
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The carpenter who is not results-oriented will not remain in business.
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The coach who is not results-oriented will not be coaching very long.
Should we be disappointed when desired results are not produced? Absolutely! God’s design is not for us to be indifferent or apathetic toward achievement. If results matter (and they do), disappointment is a natural consequence of failing to achieve. Even a cursory reading of scripture reveals many instances when God is disappointed—even angry—when desired results are not produced.
But there is huge difference between disappointment that is Spirit-directed and disappointment that is self-oriented. The first leads to wisdom and growth; the latter to frustration, discouragement, and self-pity.
So let me say it again: When we respond to the call of Christ, our identity is not in the results we produce; our identity is in the God we serve. This actually empowers us to do more and better work in order to produce better results.
It is my belief that the Christian who walks with Jesus is in a position to maximize his performance/productivity because his mind is not distracted by the fear of performing below expectations or distorted by the desire to boost ego. All of his focus and energy goes into doing his job. He is motivated to serve God and others, not to avoid criticism or achieve recognition.
Do the work. Serve God and others.
