Have you ever thought about what it means to be human? All of us have things that make us who we are, but no matter who you are and where you come from, chances are, you have an occupation. Think about it. When you first meet someone, what’s typically the first thing you ask? What do you do? I’d like to think that this is because occupation is central to who we are as people. What we do for a living defines our everyday lives- our happiness, our drive, our contentment. But more than that, our occupation plays a huge role into what fuels our purpose. Whoever you are, and whatever you do, your occupation is a significant part of who you are, for several reasons.
I recently read a book called Garden City by John Mark Comer. In his book, Comer discusses what it means to be human and why our occupations are so central to our identity as a collective people. He brilliantly describes how we were created to work, to pursue an occupation wholeheartedly and fully. It makes sense then, that our occupation can dictate how satisfied we are with our lives. Chances are, if you have a job you hate, getting out of bed in the morning is going to be that much more difficult. But if you love your job, and find meaning in what you do for a living, you’re most likely going to feel as if each day is more worthwhile. We’re only human. We were made to work, and work well, and when we do just that, we’re doing something meaningful and purposeful.
This isn’t to say that any occupation is greater than another. Each job contributes something to the world, whether you’re the CEO of a company, or a postal worker. Everyday when you get up and go to work, you’re making things happen. You’re leaving your mark on the world, and that is beyond incredible. Besides that, don’t we all want to be that person that people look at and say, “Wow. There’s someone who’s really good at their job.” I’m willing to argue that the first step to being good at your job is loving your job. And if you don’t love your job, have the courage to find your purposeful occupation. Don’t be afraid to seek out your calling.
So what does it mean to be human? All this talk of humans being made to work can sound a bit depressing, but the reality is that it doesn’t have to be. We aren’t called to do just any kind of work, but rather, joyful work.- the kind that fulfills a purpose, satisfies needs, and leaves the world a bit better at the end of each work day. We were made to work well. Just maybe, being human means that we just do our best with what we have wherever we are. So whether you’re a garbage man or a surgeon, a pastor or a mechanic, do your work, and do it well. After all, we are humans, and this is what we were made to do.
