Dave Margalotti “More Than Just a Job”

I read something a while ago that I wanted to share with those of you working in Christian radio. The author, in a conversation with his wife, said “We both get to go to work today and help some other people have better lives. We get to use our God-given skills for the purpose of helping people in their jobs, at their homes, and in their communities.”

He went on to write, “So, for us, we’ve stopped working for a paycheck and started working for a purpose. I wouldn’t call this a career; to us now, it’s more of a calling. We let go of what we get out of going to work and focus our attention on what we give by going to work. We’re humble servants hoping to make a real difference, realizing that it’s not always obvious in the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day grind—but it is there if we look for it.”

Surprisingly, this was not a Christian book. It was one written to help salespeople achieve greater levels of success in their careers. But the author’s words apply to the work we do every single day.

Think about this. We do not “have” to go to work. Most of the world wakes up in the morning saying that. “I have to go to work.” To them it’s a burden. We on the other hand “get” to go to work. That’s not a burden, it’s a privilege! The God of the universe has chosen you and asked you to be a part of His work. He sought you out by name and asked you to make a commitment to use the gifts and talents He has given to you for His glory. You are where you are today, working in ministry, because you answered the Lord’s calling in your own life. How cool and amazing is that?

As we wrap up 2024, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you have done to bring glory to the Lord and for growing followers of Jesus. The work is not always easy, but God never promised us an easy life. He promised us eternal life.

Those of us working in radio ministry do not get applause and standing ovations. A lot of us are working behind the scenes, doing things that listeners will never know. We sometimes get negative comments and complaints that outnumber the positive acknowledgements or accolades. In the day-to-day grind, it can be easy to lose sight of “why” we do what we do because we are focused on what must get done, juggling multiple tasks and deadlines, while also trying to navigate our own way through a busy, hectic, and sometimes difficult personal life.  Trust me, I get it.   

The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians to not give up, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” In his letter to the church at Corinth, he warns against discouragement, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

As we look ahead to 2025, I hope you will always remember that your efforts are being used by the Lord in bold and powerful ways that are greater than anything you can imagine. Each of you, no matter what task you perform at your station, are helping to win eternity for others.  What an awesome and amazing privilege that is!

I hope that the coming New Year is filled with an abundance of God’s blessings for you and your family.

Happy New Year!

Since 2014, Dave has been overseeing the Christian radio outreach of Family Life Ministries, Inc. that includes 70 broadcast signals in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as multiple digital music streams and original podcasts.  Prior to joining the Family Life team, Dave spent 28 years in secular radio as a programmer and on-air host for music and talk formats in the New York City area. Dave’s passion for radio began as a child, but that was eclipsed nearly 30 years ago by his love for the Lord when God got a hold of his heart and turned his life around.  Dave and his wife, Patty followed the Lord’s leading to western NY after raising their 6 children in northern New Jersey.  Contact Dave at davemargalotti@familylife.org