Who Am I Beyond My Job? Discovering Purpose in Every Assignment

Every time we meet a new person, shake hands and share names, what’s the first question we are asked? More often than not, it’s “What do you do for a living?” Maybe, what we really want to ask is, “Who are you? What are your values?” but these questions are so broad, and yet so personal, that we begin with something smaller. 

“What do you do?” provides us with some quick context and understanding of a person we know very little about, and in our society, we tend to define another person’s value based on their occupation. However, while occupation might indicate values and calling, it might not. Some people are employed in occupations that do not align with their values and beliefs because at the time that’s what’s available and/or necessary. 

Whether our current occupation is a temporary job or a true calling or just our current assignment, our identity is far greater than any of these. As a child of God, wishing to serve Him, there are many ways to consider our work here on earth.

Below are three keywords to contemplate: 

Identity: Who am I? Am I a child of God, a son/daughter, a brother/sister, a husband/wife, a father/mother, a friend? It’s good to make a list, put words to paper, draw a mindmap: whatever works for you.

Calling/Purpose: Why am I here? What am I being called to do? Why am I made like I am? What are my strengths and competencies? My abilities? What is the difference I can make? 

Assignment: What am I doing right now? It’s like the deployment of an army—you might be deployed overseas in a nation, or might be stationed in your hometown. This is not necessarily your overarching purpose but simply where you are now. Assignments can change, but within each assignment, we can remember our greater purpose and our identity. 

A Great Example:

Paul, for example, had three major assignments. The first one was to spend fourteen years working alongside Barnabas, to be a disciple and to grow in maturity. His second assignment involved missionary trips and church planting. Miracles took place, many churches were birthed, and numbers increased dramatically. His third assignment occurred while he was in jail, where he wrote the scriptures and prayed for the churches. 

Our culture would see the second assignment as the most important because of the concrete growth and dramatic change he caused, but all three assignments were essential. One couldn’t happen without the others. Tedious, menial and restrictive work can be part of the larger purpose and plan. We shouldn’t forget that Paul also spent time as a tent-maker; something not clearly aligned with his larger calling, but a small assignment that opened many doors and put him on the path to find his purpose. 

Our occupation is a huge part of our lives, but it doesn’t define us and having a sense of purpose can be played out in all kinds of work. God calls each of us in different ways and gives many different kinds of assignments. We might be a teacher, a lawyer or a railway worker as we can all be exactly where God wants us to be, fulfilling our individual purpose. 

It can be hard to see the bigger picture. We may feel dissatisfied with our work. We might not find it meaningful enough, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t part of God’s plans. 

There is a story of a man visiting a construction site. He asks one man, “What are you doing?” 

“I’m carrying bricks,” he said. 

He asked other men the same question. 

“I’m sawling wood.”

“I’m digging a hole.”

“I’m mixing mortar.” 

Finally, he asked the last man, “What are you doing?” 

“I’m building a cathedral,” he said.

Our perception of what we are doing can add meaning and purpose. It might seem we are doing something menial, but how are we contributing to making the world a better place and fulfilling God’s mission on earth?

Reflection: 

Re-affirm your identity. Find anchors for identity in scriptures. Make sure they are not scriptures about “what” you do, but “who” you are. Identity is like “see what love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God.” 

I love Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This reminds me who I am and that God has a sense of purpose for me.  

Re-focus on your purpose. What has God called you to be? What has God called you to do? Who is he giving you the commission to love? Reflect on opportunities to exercise your calling in your assignment. Does this assignment fit your calling? Can you live out your calling? Your assignment might not be a description of your calling. What is it God is doing here? How can you serve God where you are?