The Road Less Traveled

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost

As previously reported, I enjoyed a 4:30 a.m. alarm last Friday morning. The reason? I attended my first WorkMatters breakfast in Rogers. Several of the folks from my office go to the monthly "Eight to Five Unplugged" events every month, so I decided to go see what all the fuss was about. Yeah, I considered turning off my alarm several times and getting some much-needed sleep, but I'm really glad I forced myself out of bed and over to Rogers.

Last week's speaker was Dave Roth, who's the President of WorkMatters. The purpose of the organization is to integrate faith and work, and they're doing some great things. Roth talked about taking the road less traveled, and discussed the seven pillars of faith and work:
1. Relationship - first with God, then with others
2. Integrity - wisdom and courage to do what's right, every time
3. Excellence - work with all your heart
4. Influence - be intentional with the impact you have on others at work
5. Service - lead strongly through serving others with humility
6. Calling - align your gifts, skills and experience with your vocation
7. Balance - create a sustainable work/life equilibrium

Roth challenged us to think of someone who's strongly influenced our career... chances are we all thought of someone who cared about us as a person, who really cared if we were on the right path, and doing the right things to get there. He implored us to be the kind of leaders who genuinely care for coworkers.

Colossians 3:23 says: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Most people are motivated by money and power. I want to be motivated by serving God through my work.

If you're interested, last week's message is available on iTunes.