" A Parable" by Susan

A man lost his job unexpectedly one day. He asked the Lord to show him the job that He planned for him and began his search. Job lead after job lead led this man no where. He became angry and disconnected with Lord until one day he found a help wanted sign in the window of his local grocery store. He almost let his pride stand in the way of taking this job since this was not a job for a formal C.E.O. But knowing that money was tight and the bills piling high, he did not see any other choice.

The first day on the job was enough to drive anyone to quit. He left for home that day feeling tired and dirty. Scrubbing the warehouse floors was NOT the job he signed up for but it was the task he was given none the less.

That evening while sitting in his chair watching the 10 o'clock news, he noticed a familiar book on his side table. This book had somehow got left behind while on his quest to find the perfect job. He picked up The Bible and ran his finger over the front cover. "When was the last time he read this?" thought the man. All he could do was hang his head in shame.

"Lord I failed you. I went ahead without you taking the lead. Show me what it is you want for me. What is your plan for me and this new job?"

He opened his Bible and read the first thing that his eyes fell on.

"Whatever you do, work it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23

The next day the man rose early because he had a renewed spirit with this new job. As he drove to the local grocery store, he prayed that God would use this job to glorify Him.

As he walked in the door, he was greeted by his new boss. "Oh, am I ever glad to see you! Our regular cashier has quit in order to take care of her sick mother and we desperately need to feel her spot. So I am going to move you up to the cashier position. Do you mind? Once you are fully trained you will receive a raise since this position pays more."

The man just smiled and said, "If that is where you need me, I will be glad to serve."

That day was the start of something great in this man's life. Because of the verse in Colossians that he had read before; he saw this as an opportunity to serve the Lord by serving the people in his line. The customers loved him, in fact it seemed that he always knew the right things to say to lift their spirits. It was refreshing too to see someone enjoy his job as he obviously did.

He was eventually promoted to manager. Although his salary never even came close to matching what he made at his old job, the man did not worry. Because all of his needs were being met, spiritually and physically. And like the end of Colossians said, "it was the Lord Christ whom He served."


I hope that this story will encourage you today. No matter what job you may have: stay at home mom, janitor, sales associate, teacher, pastor, youth minister, missionary, doctor, nurse, lawyer, retired or unemployed. Just remember Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...since it is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Go out and have a great Monday.