Torch, Summer 1986

10 continued from page 7 HELP FOR CAREER DISCOURAGEMENT Realizing self worth results in freedom to "do." Because our identities and our careers are so closely intertwined, it is essential to clarify issues of personal worth. Our value is determined by who we are, not by what we do. As creatures ofGod, bearers ofHis image, our value is not open to question . Additionally, saved persons have the redemptive grace and love of God in their lives which totally eliminates the possi– bility of worthlessness. I Yet our culture continues to define value in terms of productivity. Although "what's he worth?" is a common way of asking about financial or earning status, it is an absolutely inaccurate measure of human worth. Christians fall into this trap. How often we hear a saint sigh, "I guess I have more to do, or else God would take me home to heaven." Cannot life have value as the handiwork and blessing of God, and on that basis alone? Must everything be measured on the pragmatic scales of productivity? While "being" cannot be separated from "doing," the order is extremely important. When one sees himself as a person of worth by God's decree, he then may experience freedom to "do." His productivity springs from his liberty, not from a legalistic effort to prove himself. Lengthening one's vision puts frustration into per– spective. The Scripture encourages us. "Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:9) . We may ask, "Am I doing well? Can I see positive merit resulting from my efforts?" Keeping the long-range view in mind helps us look beyond the daily or short-term aggravations. The vision may be what we are accomplishing by our work itself or what we may be providing in some other sphere of life by our work. The goal may be family security, our children's education, an enlarged stewardship ministry , or any other appropriate objec– tive. But in any case , the frustrations may be endured when we have length in our vision. Serving Christ gives all work worth. Paul encouraged slaves, whose work must have been incredibly discouraging , to reali ze that ultimately they were serving Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8) . They could do this work heartily, no matter how debasing they thought their tasks. Their dignity came not from the tasks, but from the eternally personal relationship between the worker and God. Remember– ing that even the performing of menial work has this wonderful potential can help dissipate discouragement. Solving non-job-related problems eases career discouragement. Discouragement rooted in almost any other sphere of life may crop up as a career problem. Interpersonal or family conflicts, personal insecurities, unresolved anger, or any number of other problems may surface first in work tension. Changing jobs may produce a series of "vocational honeymoons," but the problems recur. The clear definition of the real problem, followed by constructive action to address it, will probably bring surprising relief in career frustration. Enriching the job fulfills the employee. Success itself may poison a career. Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals usually produces an enlarged ambition and a capacity for greater chal– lenges. One may discover that he has talents not needed in the daily activities of his job. He may long for a chance to try his newly found gifts but see the paths to that fulfillment blocked. New gifts do not necessarily dictate a job change. A creative person may find ways to employ them to enrich or enlarge his current position . The wise employer encourages such creative initiative, for he realizes that both the new ideas and the fulfilled employee contribute to everyone's benefit. Changing jobs may allow better use of gifts. Self-discovery may lead to a job change. The Scripture asserts, "A man's gift makes room for him" (Proverbs 18:16). God invests gifts in his children to be used for His glory, others' good, and personal fulfillment. Working in conditions not conducive to these goals rightly prompts an investigation of the al– ternatives. Israel's King David illustrates a clear career pro– gression . As a young man, he excelled at shepherding his father's sheep. He later served as a professional musician to King Saul's court, then a soldier, and finally, King . Each stage in his career prepared him for the following ones. As a novice warrior, for instance, he attributed his leadership attitudes to the challenges he had faced and overcome as a shepherd (I Samuel 17:32-37). Like David, changes in our careers may be God-ordered and based on enlarged capacity already demonstrated. But what if those new opportunities do not appear as quickly as one wishes? How does one handle the frustration in the interim?