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Through the Waters

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Through the Waters is the blog of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Christian vocation ministries. Because the ministry of Christian vocation affirms the need for all baptized Christians – including Presbyterians - to identify and claim their call to discipleship in each decision and life choice, this blog is designed to serve as a resource for youth and young adults, as well as those in ministry with them, to assist the Holy Spirit in God’s movement in this journey through the waters. Take some time to read and think about your own responses to the questions posed here. For additional resources, we suggest that you visit our website.

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September 16, 2010

No Longer Undercover

Martha Miller

Ub_bottomcallout_realitynewsletter OK, I admit it. I’m not a fan of reality television. I truly thought the whole thing would blow over and fade out of existence before I’d ever actually have to watch it. I’ve been unwilling to give up my dramas and comedies to watch one man supposedly in love with a whole houseful of women or someone running into a series of foam paddles. So, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a reality show that I think has some real value (certainly enough that I’m even blogging about it). 

Undercover Boss. The premise is pretty simple. The head honcho of a corporation takes some time to experience some of the day-to-day jobs of the establishment while not revealing his or her true identity. Whether it’s working the assembly line, sucking out a port-a-potty, answering a customer service line, or waiting on a table, the big guys get a feel for the way that their own policies are lived out. In most cases, this leads to some significant changes within the business.

So from a business standpoint, it’s pretty amazing. But from a personnel standpoint it’s breathtaking. You see, not only are there lessons about policy and procedure, but there are also incredible relationships formed and cultivated. Many of these undercover bosses end up seeing those who work for them as people: people who feel called and passionate about what they do, people with struggles and tough decisions to make, and people who are real. They are no longer numbers on a spreadsheet or anonymous silhouettes on a chart. Their stories are known, their lives revealed.

And we aren’t called to live this same way, forming relationships and never forgetting that each of God’s people is valuable. We don’t have to be the CEO, the COO, or the CFO to be important. We are all called to greatness. We are called to amazing things. We’ve been given gifts to use.

After all, we don’t have to be the chief of anything to live out the chief end of all people: to glorify God and enjoy God forever.

How are you doing that today?

Where could you benefit from going undercover and remembering the value of all of God’s children?
School? Home? Your sports team? 

You may not have the power and money of an Undercover Boss but how can you use what you do have to remind another of their value and their call?

Categories: Musings