Transparent Christian Magazine

I have a problem with authority. Some of my friends may raise a doubtful eyebrow at this statement, due to my generally positive and amiable demeanor, however lately I’ve had to address some seemingly deep rooted issues with someone else being in control.

This distaste for being told what to do has manifested itself in the workplace many times. I have had plenty of jobs, and tend to gravitate toward positions where I know more about the job than anyone else, just so YOU can’t tell me how to do, my job. Typically after about 8 months on the job, if I’m getting too much pressure or suggestions on how to improve, I’ll bail out and find something else to do. Because I’m good at networking and selling, I have been able to easily get the ‘next job’.

I only realized lately that I have been part of the problem, and it took two events coming together to hammer this home.

At the end of the spring school semester, my 9 year old son was having some trouble with his grades, so I went in to speak with his teacher. She told me that everyone loved him in class, he was very helpful, and enjoyed participating in special tasks like loading staplers and being in charge of other classroom activities, but had trouble following orders and finishing his homework. It caused him problems because his grades were slipping, so his mom and I were anxious and his teacher was anxious. He lost some privileges and had to really work hard to get back on track.

About the same week I had a meeting with my boss at work and we talked about all of the things I did well, and how everyone in the office liked me (as well as my customers) but I somehow needed to get back on task and do what I was hired to do, because that was the critical job function. Ug.

Mirror Anyone?

It was very challenging for me to hunker down and focus on the specific tasks at hand. After a couple of months of hard work and diligence, I got an e-mail from my boss recently that said “You’re doing good work…you should be proud.” And I am doing good work right now… Because I have been focused and obedient to getting the job done.

There is strength in being obedient. Starting over at another position would have honestly been easier for me, but the payoff (financial and otherwise) would have been lost (along with the lesson).

It’s an obvious metaphor for your faith and following this Grand and All Powerful God. Follow the basics, the “Commandments”… Loving your neighbor… Not change the rules and make sure everyone likes you… But actually follow God’s plan. And before you ask, I have no idea what that means for you. Ask Him, he’ll tell you.

And for all of you entrepreneurs out there, I hear you loud and clear, and maybe someday I’ll own my own company too (I think I have some of your DNA). The illusion is that you work totally independent and you don’t answer to anyone, however you serve your customers right? One of my favorite songwriter’s says “you gotta serve somebody”.

The lessons that I am learning here, are about building character, skills and strength… So, in the future, when there’s a hiccup in my faith, refocusing and getting on the plan will most likely smooth that out too.

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”  Mahatma Gandhi

Love,
Jason