Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)
By Greg Aitkens
A few years ago, after I finished up my two-year term as president of a community service organization, a 25+ year veteran of the club took over the role.
Given his experience, I expected a seamless transition. But that’s not what happened. It became clear that he was either too busy, or too unconcerned about the duties of leading or managing the club. So, I decided to help him complete these tasks, which are crucial to the proper operation of the organization. I kept asking myself: “Why would he agree to take on this role, if he had no intention of actually doing the work?”
Many members came up to me and said: “Greg, if you weren’t doing what you are doing, we’d be in big trouble. Thank you for stepping up!”
I started feeling resentful, bothered, and aggravated about being placed into the role of doing his job, in addition to my role as the secretary on the board. As I prayed regularly, I sensed the Lord saying to me: “Do it anyway, and without complaint. It’s what my disciples do. I have been training you for years to do this exact job!”
Hearing God’s instruction in this situation has helped, as has studying the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12, and living out the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
In many ways, I have grown from resentment for doing another’s work, to learning that working in his Kingdom is not always easy but results in fruit for the Kingdom.
Pray
Thank you, Lord, for challenging and difficult situations. Through the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you provide the strength we need to persevere.
Reflect
When you are faced with a difficult situation, do you see it as a great opportunity to grow in the Lord?
Discuss
How can you use Galatians 5:22-23 to overcome challenges you are facing with a challenging work situation?
Greg Aitkens is a long-time member of WorkLight who lives in Cambria, CA, with his wife Ginny. He is the author of A New Mindset for Forgiveness and can be reached at greg.r.aitkens@gmail.com.