I used to be a 911 dispatcher years ago when I first moved to Louisiana. I didn't know what I wanted to do or be, but I needed a job. The communications commander looked at my resume and then at me.
"Why are you here?" She asked. "You can go work for the FBI. " Her tone wasn't condescending, and she wasn't dismissing me. It was a genuine ask, maybe to protect their turnaround rate.
I'm not sure where they (the FBI) are even located, and I live down the street. I thought. Why is she trying to get rid of good help? Besides, I need a job.
When I started, we were given a mini booklet of ten-codes. There were a billion of them, seriously. And within a certain amount of time after my 90-day probation period, I was supposed to have them all memorized.
Fast forward 17 years later, and I was reminded of "10-4."
This is the code that means, "OK, I understand." It acknowledges the assignment or task and is a response to signify, "Message received. You got it." Deputy officers used it all the time when they arrived on the scene. Dispatchers quickly responded to recognize their safety. Fire department staff would call in over the radio to alert us of the next steps or people we needed to notify. Then, we gave our confirmation: The message was received. Assignment understood. Copy that. "10-4."
I'm in a whole new world now—a new state, a new marriage, a new last name, a new career, a new family, and a new church home. Like this blog post, everything is new, so I asked God, "What am I doing?" What is the assignment? What am I supposed to do with all this stuff you gave me? (And by stuff, I mean gifts and talents.)
Somehow I ended up in Proverbs, one of the wisdom books, because I had too many questions than He was dishing out answers. But the response is always simple. It's always easy. Don't be lazy.
The scripture reads, "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." This is the New International Version of Proverbs 10:4.
I hovered my finger over the first line of the verse, and then I looked up and almost burst out laughing.
"Ok, Jesus. 10-4. You got me." I smiled. "I get it."
Do you get it? One of the wisdom books, Proverbs, is giving us a directive to not be lazy. And our response to Father should be, "Yes, Lord, I'll obey. Message received. Copy that. 10-4."
I would say I'm everything but lazy. Your girl has worked a 9-to-5 since been, with extended hours. I've created logos for educational and company brands, designed and managed social media posts, edited books, trained colleagues, traveled and presented at in-person and virtual conferences, interpreted for families and international guests, translated materials, supported health initiatives, and originated forms and plans - for others.
And I heard Him say again, "Don't be lazy." This time, it was for myself. I can spend hours on tasks in create mode for someone else's website, but what about my own dream? When are you going to support yourself?
"Ouch. Copy that, Jesus."
"Do you want to see everything I have for you? Do you want my Words to manifest in your life? Do you want my purpose and plan for you to come alive? Well, get to work."
Dang. I said in my head. Alright. LOL. Whew. He was getting real stern, but He had my attention.
He kept going. "Go build your own website, clean up your own social media pages, brand and market your own skills, train your own clients, write your own book, and tell your own story. Work with what I gave you and do what I told you to do."
"Yes, Lord."
So, below, I'm leaving you with a few ten-codes, The Bible Edition.
Drop me a line and let me know what you think about the post. Are you 10-4 with what God is telling you for your life?
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A blurred church is in the background.
Bible 10-Codes:
- Leviticus (10:3) - Stop Transmitting. Be still.
"Moses then said to Aaron, 'This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.' Aaron remained silent." - Proverbs (10:4) - Affirmative (OK) [Assignment understood.]
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. - 1 Samuel (10:6) - Change Status
The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. - Joshua (10:8) - In Service, Operational
Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. None of them will be able to withstand you. - John (10:10) - Fight in progress
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
*This one is my favorite. Let's go! California roots shine through. Earrings out. Squabble. LOL - 2 Samuel (10:12) - Standby. Be prepared.
Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight. - Matthew (10:16) - Domestic disturbance
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
The Message Bible Translation is a little more vibrant with this verse: Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as shrewd as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
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