For Christians, the Easter season is a season of life — new life, abundant life, eternal life. In the midst of challenging and busy lives, we need this reminder that we are more than our “jobs.” No matter how much we love our families and friends, our communities, or our careers — we are so much more than the sum of all those parts. We are the beloved children of God.
A theologian once said, “What does your God do? When you know what your God does, then you know why you live as you do.”
- When we know that our God is one whose love is so great that this God chose to shake off divinity to become one of us — we live with integrity.
- When we know that our God is one whose grace is so great that this God chose to shake off humanity to die for us — we live with compassion.
- When we know that our God is one whose power is so great that this God chose to rise from the dead to ensure our life — we live without fear.
- When we know that our God is one whose desire to be in relationship with us that this God chose to live in us — we live with power.
This is the God who gives us life and gives us the opportunity to live godly lives in every arena in which we find ourselves.
As God’s beloved, where do you find yourself in need of renewal?
What corners of your being need a jolt of new life?
Turn to God — the Creator of life, the Giver of new life, and the Sustainer of all life — for what you need.
As professionals gifted with the entrepreneurial spirit, develop that gift in your heart and within your relationships. Your reputation depends upon your professional integrity: with God, search your heart and life to make sure what you know to be true about God is what you say and do every day.
You take risks at work — stretching yourself to attain the goal you set. Take risks with your heart; let your compassion lead to acts of grace. Use your gifts of leadership to help another reach their goals. Realize that compassion may require helping others see that their goals are not a good fit. Grace is guiding them to find another goal.
As a business leader, you have the power to set the vision, make decisions, and take action. When such power is employed as part of who you are as God’s beloved, lives will change. The promise of abundant life includes the professional life.
In the social arena, God can bring new life to our relationships with family, friends, and neighbors.
You are gifted in so many ways. Employing these gifts can open you to an abundance that you never knew was possible.
When we love our families as God loves us, we are free to let them be who God created them to be. We will not have the burden of directing and managing their lives — only loving and guiding them.
When we give grace to friends and neighbors as God gives grace to us, we are free to move past old mistakes and lingering pain. When we treat others with compassion, we are free to let God work in their lives. We will not have the burden of maintaining a wall to keep them at a distance; we will be free to enjoy them as they are.
When we use our power as God used power for our lives, we are free to stop keeping score. We do all the good that we can without expecting anything in return. We will not have the burden of disappointment when we do not receive, but we will be surprised by joy when others are good to us. The promise of abundant life includes every part of life.
Like a cardinal in the snow promising spring to come, like a caterpillar in a cocoon promising a butterfly to come, like a bee in a flower promising sweet honey to come, our Lord stepped out of a tomb promising new life to all who believe. Grab hold of Jesus and live.
About Carol Pazdersky
Carol Pazdersky is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. She serves the faith communities of St. John’s UMC in Lutherville, MD, and Idlewylde UMC as lead pastor. As the member of the District Committee on Ministry, Carol has mentored other women as they answer their call to ministry. On a daily basis, Carol ministers with women who are seeking to balance their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. She is a wife, mother of three young adults, friend, and animal lover and on the same journey to find balance.
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