Making A Buck

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William James

dollar-sign I’ve been thinking about Greg Mortenson’s powerful story, Three Cups of Tea. I want to expand on what I wrote (How To Change The World) earlier this week.

Something he said to a group of college students surprised me a bit. He challenged them to do something to help others and change the world rather than just making a buck. I think I understand the heart of his message, but I also think his challenge could easily be misinterpreted.

We’re all called to different places in life. Some, like Greg, climb mountains, write books, and build schools in Pakistan. Some, like Chris Guillebeau, live a life of intentional nonconformity and encourage others who seek a similar path. That’s great. They’re helping others, they’re making a difference, and they’re happy. That’s about as good as it gets.

But—do you have to travel to dangerous, exotic lands to change the world? I don’t think you do.

There’s nothing wrong with making a buck, whether it’s your own company or you work for someone else. It’s okay to come home every night, take care of your family, and spend time in the garden if that’s what makes you happy. You can serve God by being invested in your kids and your spouse.

The world needs missionaries and entrepreneurs. Thank goodness for those who take risks, tackle new adventures, and push at the frontiers.

But the world also needs plumbers and executive assistants who do their jobs with passion and joy. The world needs committed moms and dads who are there for the day-to-day moments. Those folks don’t always get noticed, but they change the world in their own way.

“Making a buck” isn’t the problem. The real issue is what you do with that buck. If your only goal is to accumulate more and more, then I believe you’ll live a relatively empty, shallow life. If you strive only for security, care only for yourself, and serve only your own interests, then you’re wasting the life God entrusted to you.

On the other hand, if you’re helping others and serving wherever you happen to be, I believe you’re doing what you’re meant to do.

Does this make sense? What would you add?