“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that is the whole duty of everyone.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NRSVUE)[1]
Job Descriptions
Every job I had included a job description, from my first job working in an amusement park to my professional career. Although varied, these job descriptions served the same function; they outlined my duties and responsibilities. The description communicated the expectations for my work, describing what I was required to do. Moreover, the job description provided the foundation for my performance appraisal. Did I meet those expectations? Did I perform satisfactorily?
A Christian’s Job Description
The Bible is one big job description for living a life for God. The commandments of God are the foundation for that job description. Jewish and Christian tradition tell us that there are 613 commandments and that the Ten Commandments are the first of these. These commandments tell us what our boss, God, expects of us daily. They outline our duties and responsibilities for performing the job to serve God. To obey Him. To worship Him. To love Him. To show His love to others.
The Fine Print
But wait! Throughout my career, I noticed a catchall statement at the end of the job description: “other duties as assigned.” It was like the fine print at the bottom of an advertisement…easily overlooked. That open-ended phrase gave my boss leeway to assign me a duty not specifically listed in the job description. Usually, my boss assigned that other duty because she had faith in my abilities, and now I had an opportunity to shine and grow professionally.
My One Duty as Assigned by God
In Ecclesiastes 12:13, we have that one duty as assigned: fear God and keep His commandments. God expects us to fulfill that one duty. By doing so, we can shine and grow in His kingdom here on earth.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was (Matthew 22:37-40), His answer simplified that one duty even more. Jesus’ summary of those 613 commandments puts our “one duty as assigned” front and center. It is not buried at the bottom of our job description. Jesus boldly proclaimed that our assigned duty is to love God and love each other. If we each fulfill that one duty as assigned, we have met God’s expectations for us and hopefully, He will rate our performance as well done. His Kingdom will thrive.
Reflection
Prayer: Dear Lord, I accept my one duty to love You and to love my neighbor. I pray that I perform this duty satisfactorily, so Your Kingdom thrives. Amen.
[1] New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
What an assignment! Many take it for granted. As a person who has retired from a secular job, I remember the “other duties as assigned.” We take those without a second thought, God’s assignments in our lives should be taken even quicker and with even less thought. Great thought provoking meditation.
Thanks Adrienne. I agree; we do need to act with quick confidence when God assigns us a duty.
As usual, Sabrina, I enjoyed your perspective. A recent sermon by my pastor spoke to this same analogy. I was enlightened by her sermon just as I was by this piece of yours. I’ve learned that Bible study is so important. Even if you study the same Scripture over and over you’ll get a new or expanded meaning each time. I love that! Also, when studying with others you get their vision and/or perspective, which in turn makes you think.
As I read your “lessons”, I get this same opportunity. I am able to see beyond my own interpretations. Again, I love that! Thank you.
I love the different insights into God’s Word I gain through scholarly study and discussion.
I love this blog, because when I used to work, I would always say when I used to ask questions when I was a Medical Secretary to a nurse and they knew not the answer, they would always say, go ask your Boss 😊. I use to turn around and look at the ceiling and say, God, whom is my Boss can you please give me the answer😇. They used to get upset and I would say that’s who my Boss is and whom I ask. So that’s when I started to ask God more and reading more and changing my way forward to a different way to let my kid’s see. How to Love no matter what! Because the Boss that we can’t see or touch is a perfect miracle worker. Amen😇. Thanks for this, I needed a update 😁.
Such a great reminder to ask God for insight
I was just discussing this idea with a friend yesterday. I am in total agreement that my job is to love and honor God and my neighbors. Of course, love and honor requires commitment and action.
It’s inspirational to know that what God has placed on my heart resonates with others.