Issue 324
One of the interesting factors to emerge out of stress research is that some people who are in senior, apparently more pressurised, roles exhibit less symptoms of stress than others with less responsibility. The reason, it transpired, had to do with the amount of control a person has in the context of a working experience. More choice, it seems, is good for us – lack of choice is stress inducing. The ultimate freedom of choice would be the choice not to do the job at all – to be able to move on. The sense of being trapped is not good for our souls.
Other research shows (and you don’t really need research for this) that it is also essential to have a sense of meaning and purpose in work. This is not just about enjoying work but about believing that the work needs to be done – that it matters. This again is not just about work for obviously good causes, but means something more personal – it is an inner drive, almost a sense of destiny, that “this work must be done by me”.
The events surrounding the Cross give you clear glimpses of these dynamics. Jesus of Nazareth knew full well what sequence of events was unfolding; he had already told his team that he was headed for the cross. Nevertheless, when Judas the treasurer left his meal to do his last fateful financial deal, Jesus didn’t have to stick around either.
On arrival at the small borrowed olive grove called Gethsemane, the geography would have afforded Jesus with a view of the arresting party and their fiery torches a full twenty minutes before they arrived. He could have made a quick escape.
When Peter hacked off a bystander’s ear Jesus explained that he had enough killing power at his disposal to wipe out the entire region, let alone the arresting party – but he didn’t use it. Whilst on trial he could have used his considerable debating skills to expose the multiple flaws (eleven in total) in the handling of the law and got himself acquitted.
These were all the choices of a free man, perfectly capable and in control enough to take the alternative routes.
The heart of his dilemma, and the dilemma of his heart, is revealed when someone throws an insulting challenge at him: “if you are who you say you are, save yourself and us!” was the basic content of the volley.
The truth it uncovers is that he could, of course, have saved himself. But if he had he couldn’t have saved us. This was an either/or. It reveals the bondage of knowing that some work has to be done – by you; it is a giving birth, a bringing forth, a driven-ness; it is like being bound by an invisible rope to a task that must be done – if you are to be who you say you are.
So here are a couple of questions you might like to ponder: am I able to choose to do, or not do what I am doing? on one level I hope the answer is yes because a trap is stressful;the second question is a little harder – “have I found that work which I must do?” I also hope the answer is yes on every level. It is in this combination of freedom and bondage that the love work puzzle finds a further solution.
When you discover work that you don’t have to do but a simultaneous bond within you tells you that if you are who you say you are you must do it, then you have found your path – pain, joy and all.
Hebrews 12:2-3
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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Work well
Geoff Shattock
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