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The Power of Perspective

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

– 2 Corinthians 10:31

Today, I want to start out by sharing a story. There once was a man who was walking down a road when he came upon a construction site. The first worker he saw was laying bricks, so he went up to him and said, “What are you building?” The bricklayer said, “I’m building a wall.” The man kept walking and saw another man doing the same thing, but looking a little bit happier, so he stopped and asked him, “What are you building”? His response to the man was, “We’re building a church!” Then the man walked further still and happened upon a third man, also laying bricks, who seemed to enjoy his work so much that his countenance was serene, joyful and almost divine. Curiously, the man asked him the same question, “What are you building?” and with a heavenly joy in his eyes, the third man responded and said to him, “I’m building a house of God!”

This story is a poignant illustration of the power of perspective. According to author and psychologist Angela Duckworth, the first man has a job, the second man has a vocation and the third man has a calling. I think it’s safe to say that most of us want what the third man had; whether it’s bricklaying, accounting, ministry, shop-keeping or caring for our children, we want to have a deeper sense of passion, purpose, and joy in what we spend our time doing. The blessing is that in the Kingdom of God, we can!

Friend, with Jesus, jobs and tasks that would otherwise seem mundane have eternal value and impact. As a Christian, whatever you do for work, no matter how large or small it seems, can be done for the glory of God! As you sow seed in your workplace, He takes what you give and transforms it into something even greater, because His nature is always more. He loves you, cares for you, and wants you to walk fully in your calling! Isn’t that awesome news?

Prayer


Jesus, I pray for your perspective as I commit my work to you today, and I ask that it would become my calling.

Reflection


What does the story of the three bricklayers teach you about the power of perspective?

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One Response

  1. When I first heard this story, the last slave what happy and responded, “I’m building a cathedral!

    Good job.

    Joe

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