Articles
Work Heartily
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23).
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Happy With Our True Vocation
Do you believe you are more than just what you do? Unfortunately, many career-minded people believe they are defined by that very thing. But how sad is it that a person is nothing more than an accountant, lawyer, or doctor? To the Christian, we are more than just our jobs – we have a more significant vocation that requires the ultimate investment of time and energy. We need to review our mission often:
We are followers of God: “The conclusion, when all has been heard is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
We are teachers of the Gospel: “The things you have heard from me, these entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).
We are to live by the fruit of the spirit (Ephesians 5:22-25).
We are an example to others (Titus 2:1-10).
As a Christian I am dealing in the world’s most precious commodity: souls (Matthew 16:24-26).
By teaching the Gospel, I am solving the world’s greatest problem, sin. As noble as other pursuits might be (medical aid, philanthropy, fighting fires, saving the whales, etc.) there is not job, career, or vocation that is more noble that being a Christian!
Being Mindful Of Our Blessings
“All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). The comparison is not between poor people and happy people, but between an inwardly pained person and a contented person in a similar situation. Your job may not be ideal, nor your house, car, neighborhood, etc. But there should be a magnificently noticeable difference between a Christian in a less than perfect situation and anybody else. Those who are wise have the right perspective in every situation. So even when an unbeliever may find a particular job menial, loathsome, and depressing, a Christian in a similar state sees the blessings in all of life! Instead of being preoccupied with other people’s lifestyles, or the perfect job that somebody else got, devote your energy to making your home a peaceful one, your children respectful, your marriage strong, and your relationship with God lasting.
Looking Forward To Something Better
While most people are preoccupied with “getting ahead” and making more money, why not be preoccupied with pursuing heaven? I am glad that this world is only temporary, because I would much rather be in the presence of God (Philippians 1:21-23).
Too often, we get distracted by the mentality that says “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Careers go from being necessities to preoccupations to obsessions. The Corinthian Christians had the same problem, and Paul addresses their perceived need by reminding them that being slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised, does not matter in light of obedience to God (1 Corinthians 7:17-24). This is not to say we cannot improve our situation if the opportunity arises (“But if you are able to become free, rather do that”), but we must be very careful not to let our career aspirations become distractions that which is really fulfilling.
