St. Francis of Assisi was out hoeing his garden one day. He was asked, “What would you do if you learned Jesus would return this afternoon?”
Francis replied, “I would finish hoeing my garden.”
The work we do isn’t merely a job; it’s a calling and a ministry. Our work is not even just a platform to serve God—it is serving God. There is intrinsic value in the work itself. In other words, we don’t simply endure work until a coffee break so we can witness to our coworkers; the work itself is important to God.
God calls us to tend the culture in Genesis 1:28. This “Cultural Mandate” as it’s known—#14 on my alphabetical list of 70 things every man needs to know—directs us to make the world a more livable place, raise families, and engage in productive work and service. It’s about stewardship, about taking care of the world around us, and contributing to leave it better than we found it. The work we do is central to this; it preserves the culture.
To drive home that we’re not just “marking time” until we go to heaven, I treasure the verse that instructs the Babylonian exiles (since I often feel like an exile too), “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7).
So, if you drive a truck you’re helping to lubricate the wheels of commerce, bringing essential supplies to your customers. As you drive, you’re serving others and, in doing so, you’re serving God.
Of course, God also calls us to build His Kingdom in Matthew 28:18-20 (i.e., the Great Commission). But it’s both/and, not either/or. Our work and service give us opportunities to live out both the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission.
For example, a man who visited our Man Alive Bible Study said, “All my life I dreamed of becoming a high school math teacher. But once I achieved my dream, I soon noticed two significant problems. First, my students were coming to class with problems that math can’t solve. Second, the Christian teachers at my school didn’t know each other. I believe God wants me to address these two issues.”
Then he concluded with something that made my jaw drop. He said, “I am an ordained math teacher.”
This statement beautifully encapsulates the idea that our work is also ministry. He saw his profession as a calling—a place where he could make a difference not only by but also beyond teaching mathematics. He was tending the culture and building the Kingdom.
Just as that high school math teacher found his calling and considered himself an “ordained math teacher,” the same principle applies to every vocation. If you’re a plumber, you’re an “ordained plumber.” If you repair computers, you’re an “ordained computer repair person.” If you’re a first responder, you’re an “ordained first responder.” And yes, if driving a truck, an “ordained truck driver.”
Every vocation is holy to the Lord.
For reflection and discussion:
-
- Why do you think St. Francis said, “I would finish hoeing my garden”?
- How does your dual calling to both build the Kingdom and tend the culture impact your view of work and service in your community?
- What have you been “ordained” to do?
Patrick Morley, driven by his search for meaning and a deeper relationship with God, started a small Bible study in a bar in 1986. It grew into a global ministry, Man in the Mirror, impacting thousands of churches and millions of men. Inspired by these studies, he wrote The Man in the Mirror, named one of the 100 most influential books of the 20th century. A leading authority on men’s issues, he has authored 22 books and over 750 articles, with his works translated worldwide. Patrick holds degrees from the University of Central Florida, Harvard Business School, Oxford University, and Reformed Theological Seminary. He and his wife live in Winter Park, Florida, with their family. Patrick’s latest ministry for men can be found at the Patrick Morley website.
ImageCreated by using DeepIMG
Great encouragement Patrick. Life is a Duty and Life is a Responsibility. ” Finish hoeing your garden before He returns.” Only what’s done for the Lord will last.
Your Friend -His servant,
Isaac Otieno