Gross

Gross. That's how some professions have been classified. Let's be perfectly honest this morning: many jobs require difficult- even gross- tasks. Ranking in the top of the "dirty" professions, according to one internet survey, are veterinarians, waste management engineers, coroners, oil drill workers, gastroenterologists and trauma surgeons.

But gross is not a word that Dr. John Morris, a trauma surgeon and professor at Vanderbilt University , uses to describe his job. "When I see people who are severely injured, my response isn't 'that's ugly.' I look at it as a challenge to use the skills I've developed over the years."

Many would argue that tasking in even the dirtiest of jobs is easy compared to dealing with dirt in the soul: the problems, issues, harsh personalities, and relational challenges that we are often met with in the workplace where God strategically places us.

When people's lives are littered with horrible baggage, unresolved anger issues, resentment, brokenness and bitterness... and when you are the one trying to work with and be productive with such a person, sometimes you have on your hands what may seem like an insurmountable challenge. It's easier to just ignore such problems and act as if the problems or 'dirt' doesn't exist.

But real workplace ministry happens where there is a willingness 'roll up one's sleeves' and get at it. If the only people we want to connect to are people who 'have it all together' then we won't be associating with many people at all (and since we are all 'dirty' then no on would want to associate with us, either). And any chances of serving the needs of hurting and needy people would be reduced to nearly zero.

Today's Workplace Challenge:

Roll up your sleeves. Get your hands dirty if you must in order to be useful to Christ in your workplace. You don't have to look for a need. They (and the people connected to them) are everywhere. Make a commitment to avoid the temptation of 'turning your head' as you discover dirty, complicated, or undesirable (gross) yet critical needs in the lives of co-workers.

Jesus "came unto His own..." (John 1:11).That is to say, He came to where we are and ministered to us just as we are. He's still doing that today. Decide that you will, too! Accept this challenge from Christ for your work and your workday will really count!

posted by Will Ravelob at the PHIAA e-group