Other Duties as Assigned …

Have you ever completed a task and then wondered, “How did I end up doing this?”  Have you ever agreed to do something only to end up doing something totally different?  I have, and I remember the experience vividly.  I had an internship during graduate school, and while I thought I had specific responsibilities, I acquired the responsibilities my supervisors didn’t want.  You know about those responsibilities; they’re affectionately called “other duties as assigned.”  It was a frustrating experience, and when I had my exit interview, I professionally voiced my concerns.

If you’ve ever completed other duties as assigned, then Jesus knows exactly how you feel.  One day, He was enjoying a wedding reception, and His mother said, “They ran out of wine.”  Jesus replied, “That’s not our problem … My time has not yet come.”  In other words, He said, “That’s not in my job description.”  Honestly, He was right; He came to seek and save the lost, not to make wine.  Regardless, Jesus came to the rescue.  And, He did it so well that the master of ceremonies told the groom, “A host always serves the best wine first … Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine.  But you have kept the best until now!” (John 2:10, New Living Translation).

I know other duties as assigned can be frustrating, but Jesus proves we can make it through them.  Although people may not appreciate what you do (the master of ceremonies or groom didn’t thank Jesus), remember, God is watching you.  And when we’re faithful in well-doing, He will reward us!  Do your best, even if it’s other duties as assigned.

Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you (Matthew 6:4, New Living Translation).