Values and Economy

What is the worth of a profession? What brings the value to our work and our time? And is there is a way to reasonably judge a vocation? Is it the product, the service, and effect of the work? In these times of reduced economy, rising unemployment, and budget cutbacks, how does employment hold it's worth when all kinds of jobs are getting cut? How do our lives hold worth? Is life becoming only about the numbers; cost vs. benefit? And does a career, a job, a vocation get it's value simply by the culture or it's ability to stand the test of time?

I argue that in these uncertain times of cutbacks and layoffs that the value and worth of a profession is not held simply in it's ability to exist. Rather, our work, which is simply the use of our time, must be able to combine the value of the work being done along with the way in which the work is accomplished. And sometimes, even when the work is no longer needed the way in which we work will always be essential. Fundamentally, our value comes from God, and our work is an expression of God's value to us. How we use the time, brings value to the work. We are called to serve with our gifts and talents. It is the moral, ethics, and heart of the job that give it value. The worth of a job is the way in which it is done, not just that fact that it is. And I say all this knowing that our worth as humans stays the same regardless of what we do or what we make.

I've heard many arguments lately that plead the case of one's job as essential and necessary, especially in light of potential layoffs and reduced staffing levels. State, cities, companies, and businesses are struggling to survive. And generally the fight for one's job is a personal issue, as it should be in some cases. For hopefully our work is an expression of who we are, and a means to supporting and providing for ourselves; a basic human element. But these arguments often find their case by comparing themselves against other types of employment and this is a dangerous and subjective viewpoint. Comparing one job to another is difficult and subjective.

For instance how do you compare the job of a farmer with the job of a professional athlete. The values of these professions is not based simply on their necessity or what they provide to society. Whereas food is essential for life, sports are for fun and leisure. And the people who complain about the price of produce at the grocery store will also pay top dollar for courtside tickets. But what if you compared the contributions made by athletic associations to community programs with the community impact of local farmers. Career comparisons are difficult because most careers are not one sided, and life is not black and white. We can't simply say farmers are good and athletes are bad because of their necessity.

Career necessity is a societal issue but our lives should be lived on the dual plain of using our gifts and talents, alongside the additional purposes of we are on this earth: to serve and honor God. I used to think that some jobs were more valuable and that God judged carreers based on thier "Godliness". But I think that I have come to accept that how I use my time is more important and my motivation behind the work is most valuable. Service to others is a Biblical mandate. However, we are not called just to service but to a heart of service. My heart and my actions will be judged one day. Whom I am serve and how I serve is much more important that what I do. A life and career worth living can only be found by finding the heart of God.