How Do I Know Which Occupation God Wants For My Life?
When we seek God’s best for our lives, it is natural to evaluate the significance of our daily activity in light of eternity. Whether as students, employees or employers, it is healthy to ask what God desires to do with our time and talents.
Admittedly, the stereotypical answers about God’s favorite occupations are “missionary, evangelist or a pastor.” There is something about these callings that many believe define the highest expression of commitment to Christ, and God could be looking for you to fill this type of role.
Nevertheless, most of us cannot be professional religious workers. Somebody has to make the money to support these individuals in Kingdom work. Yet, at the same time, every believer should regard his or her life vocations with the kind of dignity and respect we hold for those in religious work. God does not distinguish between the laity and church leaders. His standard of excellence applies to both. Many mature Christians in the work place see their jobs as a call from God, a ministry opportunity to shine as an outstanding example of stewardship, efficient hard work and integrity. After all, every Christian is working as an apprentice to a Jewish Carpenter (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:23).
The businessman who runs his company under the lordship of Jesus Christ can be a mighty tool for evangelism, discipleship and community impact. The lawyer with a heart for justice can do much good through his efforts within the legal system. The research chemist, persistent and methodical in the lab, can discover new ways of helping humankind. God is pleased with work done for His glory and in his name, whether it is preaching, doctoring, teaching, mothering, construction, car repairing or a host of other vocations.
Sanctified common sense should guide us in pursuing a career. What would you like to do? What are you good at? Do you have the skills to pursue your dreams? Are your earthly ambitions surrendered to the greater purposes and glory of God? The reality is that few people enjoy the luxury of being paid for doing what they love. Yet contentment in all types of work is not uncommon. God can help us have a good attitude even in difficult and unpleasant job situations (Philippians 4:12-13).
When Paul counseled the Thessalonians about their work, he said, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Later on, Paul warned some lazy Thessalonians, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Work mattered to Paul, who supported himself as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3; 20:34) while fulfilling his duties as an apostle. You too can serve God in the workplace. Trust in Him to guide your steps.
