Everywhere I look, people are trying to do the right thing. They work hard at their jobs. They take on additional work if asked. They do whatever someone needs, whenever someone needs it. I often wonder what makes each of us think that the world rests on our shoulders.
An unusual email comes in three days ago. Before asking if the email was appropriate, within the scope of the larger plan, or what the issues were my team jumped in and initiated the analysis, discussed potential issues, and responded. None of the work was or is required.
A colleague continues in a situation where he works too hard and is out of focus because of the range of challenges sitting on his desk. This situation is not new, it existing a year ago and at least six months before that. The recurring theme in every review with his ever-changing bosses is one of focusing on his core assignment. Last week I thought he had turned a corner. Yesterday he took on yet another new assignment that is unrelated to anything in his job description, scope, or purpose.
I wandered around the house looking for a lost book. As I asked different members of the family if they had seen it, I found myself managing a growing search team. On one hand, the additional help was great; on another, I wondered why my question was their problem.
Spiritually I think I need to be God for myself as well as everyone around me. I need to work hard enough and be disciplined enough so that my spirituality will carry the day with a vengeful, exacting God. I need to walk the walk and talk the talk. Otherwise, who will believe the God stories? I must convince and drag people to God. If not, they will be lost.
God never asked you and I to take on these roles. Focus is the key. Keep it simple. Stay the course. “If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over.” (Romans 12.7)
