“Cut off your hand”— it’s a graphic and jarring command, and I have a hard time determining what I need to “cut off” that is causing me to sin. Perhaps Christ’s command is more about what is keeping me from serving God more fully. What keeps me from giving more of my life to serving God?

My answers are challenging: I am typically either with my wife and four kids, or I am at work. I don’t think Jesus isn’t indicating spending less time with my family, but what about my job? I admit that I often work “too much.” While I don’t feel called to make changes in my career, I know I can refocus on the ways that I serve God through my vocation as husband, father, and businessman.

We have all been given certain talents, and I certainly have been blessed throughout my life with education and opportunity. Maybe I best use those gifts by being a caring boss, by being ethical and fair in all workplace interactions, by building people up in their careers, by always doing the right thing, and by being a positive example to my co-workers and my clients.

My work expects a lot from me, while also encouraging me to volunteer; it provides flexibility to serve on non-profit boards or my pastoral council, and enables me to share treasure with others. What if there is nowhere I am needed more than in the business world, being a living example of God’s love?

All of us are going to be given numerous opportunities to serve God in our own vocations today. These opportunities may appear ordinary, but our impact may be extraordinary for someone that needs it today. Let us all find Christ in those we encounter today and offer them a “cup of water to drink.”