I work for a software company where I have gained a bit of experience working with different Microsoft Windows Server operating systems. One of the required components of my company's software is Microsoft .NET Framework. On newer operating systems, it is a Windows feature that can be turned on or off. On servers, there is an added complication. Since servers typically do not perform the same application tasks that clients do, Windows assumes the reason for adding this feature is to assume the role of a web server. In other words, it assumes the server will be handling a website.
While there are customers of ours that host and manage their own websites, they are in the minority. Most of our customers let other services handle their website needs.
To the operating system, it does not matter. Installing that feature means that other features fundamental to being a web server will also be installed. It is a required role.
I have given some thought to the idea of how people may assume roles in order to get features or benefits they desire, even if they would not otherwise assume these roles.
Ambitious workers may be willing to do undesirable work to get their foot in the door of a workplace that offers potential advancement. Star Wars fans may endure long scenes of Jar Jar so they can get to the epic battle between Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Darth Maul. I have friends that have spent long amounts of time in games doing grinding tasks such as breeding chocobos, assembling minecraft materials, defeating prime evils repeatedly, or mastering dancing with Gorons in order to get coveted loot, achievements, or experience.
In most cases, assuming a role does not necessarily require dedication. It can be compartmentalized. A person can assume the role of a pleasant salesperson during business hours, and assume the role of an obnoxious drunk after hours. The wealthy philanthropist role can be assumed by mercilessly competitive men that are making "business decisions" in other roles. There are numerous types of roles that people can wear at different times.
While many of the roles people assume are temporary, some are not, and should not be. Most important is that of Christian.
A Christian should not stop being Christian because they are at work. A Christian must remain Christian while assuming the role of parent, child, coworker, or even automobile driver.
A Christian ought to hold to their faith in conversation with supportive believers and also in conversation with demeaning atheists.
The values of Christianity do not change when Christians are asked to be more tolerant of principles, products, or practices that are inconsistent with their faith. Likewise, Christianity's requirements to offer forgiveness, compassion, and assistance are not voided when confronted by those that may have embraced such principles, products, or practices.
Christianity is not simply a role that can be assumed and cast off for convenience. It is not a means to obtain a feature without actually fulfilling the required role. Christianity is not an occupation.
A Christian believes that Jesus has personally sacrificed and invested in mankind for a purpose. Salvation is not a cheap gift; the price that Jesus paid to redeem men is beyond comprehension... and there is no other who was, is, or will ever be capable of matching it.
It is wrong for any true Christian to believe that eligibility for the saving power of God himself might be obtained by acting Christian only when it is convenient, popular, or politically correct.
He said himself that the great commandment is to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37)
Nephi teaches in the Book of Mormon "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)
Christ did not come so we could have weekly meetings. He came to save us all.
