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The Polis Institute’s, Phil Hissom, points out the difference between job programs and getting a specific person a job. Huge difference.

No matter how confident we are, none of us is immune from feelings of inadequacies in our work. Questions stream into our consciousness without notice:  Am I up for the task? Is my life a disappointment to God? Am I meeting expectations? What is God doing in my life? Does my work have meaning?

We all share in our universal struggle for meaningful lives that fulfill a purpose, while at the same time give us the fruit of a flourishing life, namely, contentment.  The problem is most of us go about our pursuit in all the wrong ways.

Hugh Welchel, Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, in his article below once again gives us great insight into how we should thoughtfully reflect on our jobs.  His discussion gives us a helpful perspective and context by which we understand our common quest for meaningful work.  It may be that you are already engaged in meaningful work, but you have not realized it. 

The following entry is a wonderful expression of faith and work coming together as they should in the lives of both women featured.  Tami Kaiser in her capacity with Women Doing Well conducted an interview with Julie Colombino, who founded REBUILD.

The Ticonderoga pencil is a simple tool for writing. To its manufacturers, it is the “the #1, most recognized, and revered pencil throughout America and the world.” A bit plucky for a pencil, perhaps?

For our work at The Collaborative, the Ticonderoga pencil is an instrument that signifies much of what we aim to achieve.

The Ticonderoga pencil is a simple tool for writing. To its manufacturers, it is the “the #1, most recognized, and revered pencil throughout America and the world.” A bit plucky for a pencil, perhaps? For our work at The Collaborative, the Ticonderoga pencil is an instrument that signifies much of what we aim to achieve. We use … Read more

The Collaborative was energized by our visit from Andy Crouch in February. The author, blogger, and presenter executed twelve speaking engagements in five short days! Every audience he touched, whether they be seminary professors, faith and work leaders in Orlando, or the masses, Andy Crouch presented complex ideas in a simple format that touched the heart. I have been surprised, gratified, and moved by the resulting conversations he sparked that continue today.

Many conversations about work, particularly with regards to corporate decisions, seem to be about the dollars and cents of the bottom line.  No one is suggesting that profits are not an important part of one’s business plan. However, it should not be the only important concept driving decisions. The article below from the March issue of First Things offers a different perspective and one that should be more in the forefront of our thinking when faced with business decisions. Max Torres, the author of this article, reminds us that work is not just about income.  It is reinforcing what we already know to be true from Scripture and that is work is good.