Have you ever heard yourself say "If only I get this dream job, promotion, financial compensation or business, then I'll be happy"?
Maybe you have at some point, but you just knew that there was something off at the thought. That's because there is.
We live in a time when corporate culture wants you to believe that your identity is fixed on what numbers appear on your paycheck or what letters you have at the end of your last name (MD, PHD, and so on). But there is a problem in finding identity, satisfaction, security and meaning in your job or career. It's just not enough.
The human heart is like a big landfill in a world where there seems to be not enough soil to cover it up. We search for things to fill that big hole in our hearts, thinking that money, fame, relationships or even career will fit the bill.
But it never does.
That's because there's only one source of meaning and love that will always be more than enough for your demanding heart—that's God.
You Are Not What You Do
When asked who you are, the top three things you'll probably mention are your name, your job and your hobbies. It's common to attach our meaning and purpose to what skills we have to offer and what job title we may have.
But you are not really what you do, and your meaning is not attached to your career.
Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
What's the problem about finding meaning in money and career? Primarily, it's because they both come and go. When we fail in our careers, we can feel like we've failed as a whole, but that's not the case. You are not a failure because Christ has won all battles for you.
Find Meaning in Christ
To find meaning in Christ means putting all our trust in Him to fulfill us and satisfy us in a way we think career, relationships, money, or possessions can. Indeed Christ is more than enough for us, but we need to make those words mean more than empty words.
When we put our identity in Christ, everything seems to fall into place—our careers, relationships and our whole being. The key is to start with Christ and to be identified as Christ's beloved and Christ redeemed, and let it all start from there.
