“My Work-View”
by Rod Brace, Ph.D.
“How did you get where you are today?” It’s a question that I’ve been asked hundreds of times, mostly by young executives trying to crack the code of their yet-to-be-discovered career path.
They don’t usually like my answer: “I just show up in the vineyard.”
I take my view of work from Matthew 20:1-6, the parable of the vineyard workers.
Upon reading this parable, the common takeaway is the part about the first being last and the last being first theme. You might recall it’s the parable about a vineyard owner who goes out several times during the day and hires laborers to work in his vineyard. He promises to pay them all the same wage regardless of when they start. Envy and chaos ensue. Then, the famous line, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (verse 16)
I get that application and try to live that attitude, but the verses signal more for me. Perhaps my reading is too literal for academic theologians, but here is my take:
I base my workview (you’ve heard of worldview?) on verse 1, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.”
We are all day laborers waiting for God to place us in our daily roles. We don’t know which laborers we will work with. We don’t know exactly what we will do that day. We just show up and work hard.
With this interpretation in mind, several thoughts fall into place for me:
If God wants me to be a line worker or the CEO, it’s His prerogative, and He will cause it to happen. It’s not about me; it’s all God.
If God wants me to work closely with someone, then there must be a reason God wants me near them today. I ask, “What do they need from me and God?” There are no accidents in God’s kingdom.
If I face a hard day at work, God allows or creates the situation for my benefit (probably to grow) and His glory.
God doesn’t owe me a clear view of a 10-year plan. He will point to me each morning while I stand in the day laborer line and say, “Go there.”
God is my work (income) provider, and I will trust His sovereignty and not worry about how He will provide for my needs.
My day should be less about the type of work I’m doing and more about figuring out why God put me here today and what He wants me to do for His glory, not my own.
If God places me in a role, He must feel that I’m equipped for that role, or He will prepare me. I’m not going to worry about my weaknesses or imposter syndrome. I’m a child of God—the God who owns the vineyard.
With all that, I throw in Colossians 3:23 (“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,”) and there you have it; I’ve got my workview - Show up. Trust God. Do my best.
I’ve shared that view with many, and even after decades, I still have colleagues who have heard my view; when asked, “How’s it going?” they will reply, “Just working in the vineyard.”
It’s a simple view that has helped me grow dependent on God for my success as He defines it and live more fully in the moment of His provision.
Perhaps it will do the same for you. See you in the vineyard. - Rod