“So, what do you do?” This has to be one of the most common questions that people ask each other at picnics, church and other gatherings. This is a generally innocuous thing to ask someone, kind of like asking someone how the weather is. A simple question with a simple answer.
“Well, I twist knobs for a living, how about you?” Then the conversation goes on about the various intricacies of what you do, hopefully along the way showing a mild interest in what the other person “does” as well.
I tend to think that the question “What do you do?” is pretty shallow. For example, you could ask two auto mechanics what they do and they will both give you basically the same answer. Perhaps you and someone that works for some random production company could both be asked that question and both give the same answer as well.
A good follow up question to the “What do you do?” question is “Why do you do it?” This is where the difference lays. Why do you turn knobs for a living? This is what makes the difference between what you do from what the tech team of American Idol does. Why.
So, why do you do what you do? Is it just a good job? Is it fun and challenging for you? Or is there a deeper and more significant reason?
Perhaps you feel like you are doing something of value? Maybe you realize that you are playing an important role in communicating the most powerful message of all time? Are you doing what you are doing because you have a heart to serve God and His Church?
It is important to know why you do what you do. What motivates you? Once you are able to hone in on the why then you will be able to help your team to see why as well --why they should arrive early before service; why they should learn their craft; why they should volunteer behind the scenes...Why, why, why.
Help your team understand why.
Colossians 3:17 [NET] And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
When you are serving the Lord with your gifts and talents the “why” becomes infinitely more important than the “what.” Whether you are cleaning toilets, twisting knobs, or singing a solo, it is all for the Kingdom of God.
The next time you are at a gathering and someone asks what you do, make sure that you also tell them “why.” Then when you ask them what they do, let them give you their answer and then ask them “why”...if you dare.
