How many times do we find ourselves focused on other people’s roles, jobs, responsibilities and behaviour?
At work: are you the type who does your work to the “t’s”, but at the same time, fumes and grumbles, because your colleagues are too busy socializing? They take too many cigarette breaks. They do personal things instead of their jobs. They are just being purely lazy.
At home: are you the type that keeps a record of how many times you’ve taken out the garbage? And that your spouse has totally left the job for you? Are you the nagging spouse who is always pointing out to your spouse his/her shortcomings and weaknesses? Are you the type who is always concentrated on your spouse’s behaviour or attitude, or the lack of it?
In church: are you the type who is involved in many ministries? At the same time, are you very occupied with those who are not holding even one? Are you focused on others who are not actively involved in any church matter?
In a teamwork environment: are you the type who is micro-managing other people’s parts instead of concentrating on your own part?
Overall, are you the type who is focused on other people’s roles? Do you find yourself doing things that are really not your job? Are you the type that shoulders other people’s responsibilities? Are you the type who fulfills other people’s roles, only to hold it against them? Are you grudgingly doing it because you believe that it will never be done if you don’t do it yourself?
I am guilty in so many ways until I heard a song by Joni Eareckson. Thirty-nine years ago, I bought Joni’s cassette and this particular song really spoke to me. I realized that God gave me a specific role in life, that I am only accountable to Him and to Him alone. I also realized that as long as I concentrate on the role He wrote for me, I won’t have a chance to scrutinize (and sometimes criticize and judge) those around me whether they are doing their role or not.
