SCATTER STORIES: Serving Others in the Service Industry

Reagan's Story – Customer Service Professional

Like many working their way through college, Reagan has held various customer service jobs over the years. On one particular day, however, he remembers casually asking his manager, “So, how’s your day going?”  Surprisingly, this question caught his manager off guard. 

Why would such a simple question be so unexpected?

“Nobody thought to ask (about her day) because we were all at work,” Reagan recalls. But we don’t stop being a person once we walk through the doors of our office, retail store, or job site, he explains. For Reagan, the customer service industry is the perfect place to reflect the love and hope of Jesus to customers and colleagues alike. 

Putting others first and looking for ways to actively serve often meant taking the occasional extra shift and filling in for a colleague last minute. “(It’s) the easiest way to show I care,” says Reagan. “It just really opened up their entire world to me.” 

Work is a gift, explains Reagan – even the hard, furthest from ‘dream job’ roles. “I've always thought of it as a real gift that the Lord gives (us) to steward little pockets of creation. So, when you're at work you are a steward, and living faithfully in that domain is glorifying to him whether anybody else knows it or not.”

But what about seasons when work is less than fulfilling? Does God have a kingdom purpose in mind when our 9 to 5 feels a little mundane or even meaningless? 

“Start praying,” says Reagan. Ask the Lord, “What do you want me to do with this day? He’s faithful; He’s going to show you what you can do.”

Look for opportunities to practice, learn, and develop a specific skill related to your job. Find ways to become better. A year into working at a local coffee shop, Reagan discovered latte art, which provided a creative outlet and specific skill to learn. Each day, he got a little better.

Christians should always strive to be great in their places of work, says Reagan. “It’s a way for people to ask, why are you doing this? (And for us to answer) Well, Jesus.” 

Are you frustrated and wondering how God could possibly use you in your current role for his kingdom?

Start each day with a simple prayer: God, what do you want me to do with this day? 

Because as image-bearers of God, we have been created “to do good works, which God prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10).” Yes, this means even those jobs which are simply paying the bills and might feel a little mundane.

Are you in the service industry? How have you reflected Jesus in your workplace? 

Have questions about what it looks like to fully participate in God's kingdom story in and through your everyday life and work? Check out our Scatter Foundations Video Series or signup for our Scatter Email. 

Scatter Stories is a monthly series spotlighting how God is using everyday people in everyday jobs around the world for his kingdom.