I am a fresh graduate who is still trying to figure out my God-given vocation. Will I ever know what it is for sure?

Yun L., 24, communications executive

What is our calling? It is the call to be with Jesus, the call to love and serve others, the call to make His Name known. Our work is therefore an outward extension of how we live out this call. So when it comes to deciding our choice of work, our starting point should always be about Him, not me.

Here are three questions to ask as you seek God in making work choices:

1. Who is at centre of your life?

More of Him, less of me. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20).

Both John the Baptist and Apostle Paul urged us to live a life that resembles Jesus’. This begins when we consciously commit to putting God at the centre of our lives, above everything else.

In turn, this will influence everything about us, including our work choices.

The Jewish people in the Old Testament regarded work as a form of worship to God. We know this through the use of the Hebrew word avodah, which is the same word used for both work and worship. It comes from the root word avad, which is mentioned more than 200 times in the Old Testament.

If we see work as a form of worship, we will endeavour to do our best in whatever task we are doing, to bring our best to God and, in the process, make Him known.

We will also not disregard work no matter how menial they may seem. Instead, we will see all jobs and tasks as ways for God’s people to honour Him.

In our modern society, regarding our work as avodah often runs contrary to the world’s values. Every day at work, we will face noise that distract us and situations that test our faith.

That is why the gift of the Holy Spirit is crucial to help us live out a God-centred life.

2. What are you made to do?

We are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That means each of us is blessed with different abilities to do different things.

Our abilities are also developed and honed through the education we received, the past choices we made and the life experiences we have gone through.

We can learn about our abilities by asking ourselves what we like to do and what we are good at doing. This allows us to narrow our work options to those that are a good fit for our abilities.

Besides answering these two questions on our own, there are other ways to help us learn more about our abilities. We can ask our trusted friends and people who know us well, or attempt profiling questionnaires specific to understanding our interests.

3. What is a problem you can solve for someone?

As the popular Hillsong hit goes: “Break my heart for what breaks yours. Everything I am, for Your Kingdom’s cause.”

Instead of scrolling through pages and pages of jobs on portals to find something suitable, we should ask ourselves: What bothers us deeply? What do we hope to change in people, places or situations around us?

Is there an industry, job or role that allows us to make a difference or solve the problem that we are concerned about? Are our abilities the right tools to tackle the issue?

A lengthy process

It is definitely possible for us to be certain of our vocation, but it is a process of discovery that takes time.

We start from cultivating greater self awareness by actively exploring and testing our inclinations and abilities through projects and work, and receiving reinforcement and feedback from people around us on what we excel or struggle in.

This may take years, starting from our formative years and extending into our adult years. But as we patiently learn more about ourselves through the different stages of our lives, with God’s guidance and prodding, we will be able to see an increasingly clear and certain vocation for ourselves.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that fulfilling our God-given call is not based on a single decision. It requires us to maintain a God-centred attitude throughout our whole lives, regularly evaluating and reviewing the impact of our work.

Ask Salt&Light: How do I start my career on the right footing?

Ask Salt&Light: How do I discern God’s will in making a career switch?

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Dear Salt&Light,

As a mum of three young children, I’ve had to take urgent leave on many occasions because a child is ill or encountered some problems at school. My colleagues and boss have been increasingly upset about this. How can I maintain my professionalism without neglecting my children?

Gina L, 35, compliance officer

It is not easy being a working parent and caring for three young children – it is as though you are being pulled in different directions and from all angles. On the one hand, you want to be a good employee; on the other, you also want to be a good parent.

You are probably wondering: “Is this even possible?”

The answer is yes. God knows what you are going through and He will provide you with the capabilities and the means to face the challenges of life.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13) 

Apostle Paul chose to be content despite being imprisoned and lacking necessities. This allowed him to bring his focus back to God and to make the most of his circumstances. He reminds us that we can choose to be content no matter what our circumstances.

Admittedly, it is difficult to be content when your children are ill or facing a difficult time in school, and your frequent leave of absence from work is negatively affecting how your manager and colleagues view you.

Here are some possible ways to mitigate the situation:

1. Reach out to others for help

Do consider reaching out to one or two trusted colleagues who have been in similar situations as you. It may be awkward at first to ask them for advice or to brainstorm solutions, but they may be able to offer good advice or help you see things in a different perspective.

Similarly, reach out to your spouse, parents, in-laws and other relatives to see if they can offer support. Raising children need not be the task of one person: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

2. Talk to your manager

It may sound daunting, but consider having a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss how to better handle the situation when it arises again.

An open and honest meeting will help to clear up any misconceptions that he or she may have about you. It will also show your manager that you genuinely want to improve your relationship with him or her.

3. Work as though for God

One question to ask yourself is: “Who am I honouring at my workplace?” As believers, God is our ultimate employer.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

This does not imply that you are to disregard or disrespect your manager. Apostle Paul’s intention behind this verse is that all believers should work and serve as though we are working for and serving God. Our ultimate reward will be provided to us by God.

4. Review your attitude

Believers are to work heartily (Colossians 3:23), from the Greek phrase ek psyches, which means “from the soul”. Paul urges us to be enthusiastic and passionate about our work, regardless of the type of work.

God does not judge us primarily on the output of our work; He is more concerned about our attitude towards work and the intention of our hearts.

By reframing your perspective to see that you are ultimately working for God, you will want to do your best and go the extra mile for Him. Maintain this perspective by:

1. Praying before you start your work day. Prayer makes a big difference in setting your mindset for the rest of the day.
2. Setting daily goals during your commute to work. Keep in mind who you’re really working for and you will naturally focus on doing all that you can to please and honour God at work.

You will discover that, while you are working to please God, you will also eventually win the favour of your manager and colleagues as you are better able to anticipate needs and act on them.

When your work is an act of worship unto God, you will do it with a cheerful spirit, gracious courtesy, pride and diligence.

Trust and believe that God will ultimately reward you for your efforts, both at the workplace and at home, in accordance with His good time and will. May Ephesians 6:6,7 and Colossians 3:17 encourage you.

Ask Salt&Light: Should I leave a job that is making me unhappy?

Ask Salt&Light: How can I be a good testimony when my Christian colleague isn’t?

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Having a burden for evangelism, I chose to become a financial adviser as I’m able to meet many different people on this job. However, sometimes I can’t help but feel that pastoring in a church is the more honourable thing to do, while my chosen path fulfils a lesser purpose and is secular. How can I be confident that what I’m doing pleases God?

Joanne Y., 46, financial adviser 

It is heartening to hear that you have a burden to share the gospel with unbelievers. You may already know this burden you have is actually a commandment of Christ given in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) for all who call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ. Your dilemma of how best to share the Gospel with unbelievers is not uncommon.

In your case, you are asking: Is it by being a pastor or to work in a secular job, or can I do just as much as a financial adviser?

If we understand the purpose and motivation of the call to make disciples then, in some sense, our actual vocation or job is just a means to an end. I must emphasise that when Jesus’ disciples were called to make disciples, it was more than just sharing the Gospel literally. In some sense, it was a call to replicate themselves. They – which means us, too – were asked to teach their disciples to obey all that Jesus commanded. The apostle Paul summed this up more concisely, “Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV).

I would first like to quickly address the feeling of being perceived as a lesser person compared to a pastor. As we now stand being accepted only by the blood of Jesus, we all stand justified as one before God (Galatians 3:28).

What is your career goal?

Does your job or vocation define your primary role? Or are you firm in your belief that we are first followers of Jesus Christ, then a pastor, financial adviser, father or mother, brother or sister, son or daughter? If we have got this part figured out, then the subsequent roles we play, and the many roles we have, become clearer.

How do you figure what job best suits you? The Apostle Peter suggests, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace, … in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11).

Therefore, you need to be aware of what your gifts are, in order to be able to exercise them in word and in deed (Colossians 3:17), so that God may be glorified. Since I am in the same line as you, let me suggest three practical points consider.

Firstly, I firmly believe in excelling in our giftings, so our professional conduct and knowledge have to be the best that we can be (Colossians 3:17). Our conduct and deeds are very much a part of demonstrating or living the Gospel. I believe this goes further than mere words alone. Your life should leave a mark on your clients, your colleagues or anyone you interact with.

Secondly, being aware of our conduct also means to put others’ interest before yours (Philippians 2:3-4). Incidentally, this is part of the financial adviser’s ethics and code of conduct. I found this to be the greatest challenge in my first few years in the industry.

At times, to give good advice meant no product sales, therefore no commission and no income. It is truly a test of how far you are willing to go to put others’ interest before yours and to trust that your own needs will be met by God.

Thirdly, continue to depend on Christ and ensure your heart is in the right place constantly. It is easy to be distracted by success and worldly treasures. Remember that where you treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34 NIV). Do not be tempted to think that you can have your cake and eat it, we can only serve one master (Matthew 6:24).

There is sacrifice and a price to pay if our priorities are to honour God. I personally do not believe that worldly achievements or excesses are a reflection of whether we are walking right with God. Often, I find the opposite to be true. God teaches us to die to self and to find sufficiency and contentment in Him alone, so that you will find joy that far exceeds anything the world can give. God sees our heart, so as long as we are always searching our hearts and obedient to his word, we will do well (Psalm 139:23-24). 

I leave you with this encouragement: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Ask Salt&Light : How do I share the Gospel gently?

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I recently resigned from my position as an office manager to take care of my elderly mother who has cancer and dementia. However, my boss has asked if I can stay on for another three months before they find another replacement. I am torn as both sides need me. What should I do?

Caroline C., 50, office manager

There is no straightforward answer to your question as the size and culture of your organisation and your home setting are unknown to us.  For example, is there anyone else such as your sibling(s), or a domestic helper, who is helping you, or are you on your own?

Nevertheless, allow us to bring you first to the Scriptures, followed by some pointers that may help you in your decision-making process.

The Bible never mentions that one profession has more spiritual value than another. We all have different roles and callings in different stages of life.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

From the Scripture above, Jesus called us to be a living testimony to others. Therefore, in your case, “others” is not just your boss but also your colleagues, your friends and your family members.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)

Therefore, “whatever you do”, be it a caregiver to your mum, stay in the organisation to help your boss or, for that matter, in church ministry, well-known author of My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers said: “The spiritual manifests itself in a life which knows no division into sacred and secular.”

As Os Hillman, the president of Marketplace Leaders, put it: Just as Jesus had a work to do before His Father, we each are called to a specific work for which we will be judged and rewarded. We should not consider this as a lessening of the call of vocational ministry but to realise the strategic role that pastors and leaders can fulfil as equippers of workplace believers who have the potential to transform families, workplaces, cities, and nations. 

There may be other options you could consider, for example, how possible it would be to help your boss by working from home or working certain hours each day, or certain days each week while a sibling or domestic helper may cover your caregiver duty during those times.

Therefore, seek the Lord in prayers and ask the Lord for direction and wisdom in making your decision so that you can be the light to your family members, your friends and your colleagues as well as your boss.

Ask Salt&Light: Should I leave the ministry for the marketplace?

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There was a recent theft case in my department. As the supervisor, I have to make the decision whether to fire the perpetrator. I am reluctant to do so – he has apologised for his actions and promised not to do it again – knowing we are called to forgive, but I also don’t want to set a precedent where people take advantage of being given a second chance.

Jeffrey C., 50, store manager

Yes, Christians are called to forgive and, if the matter were just between you and the perpetrator the issue would be straightforward: You would be obliged to forgive, just as you yourself have been forgiven by God.

But who has been wronged here? Certainly you have, as the supervisor of a department whose performance will be affected by the theft.

But what about the other members of the department and the company as a whole? How have they been affected? Do you have the right to offer forgiveness on their behalf? You need to think carefully about the possible effects of “extending grace” in such a situation.

You don’t indicate the scale of the theft. I assume that it is not trivial but, on the other hand, it has not seriously threatened the viability of the company or department (if it had I suspect you would have fired the person already).

I assume also that you have talked the matter over with the perpetrator and know at least something about his or her background, family situation and reasons – however inadequate – for committing the theft.

You have a number of options, depending on the exact nature of the situation, and also on your company’s HR policy:

1. You can tell the person that you have personally forgiven them for the theft and the harm it has done you, but fire them on the grounds that theft is destructive for the company’s profitability and ethos. You are not required to forgive on others’ behalf.
2. You can forgive them personally and retain them on staff but require them to make restitution, in full or in part. Forgiveness should not mean that one does not have to make amends for wrongdoing.
3. If the department as a whole knows about the theft – which you seem to imply – you need to avoid setting a bad precedent. So retain the perpetrator, require them to make restitution, and make it known in the department that this is what you have done. This makes clear that “second chance” does not mean profiting from crime.
4. If it is generally known who the perpetrator is – and not just that there has been a theft – there is likely to be ill-will towards the perpetrator in the department. If you choose option two or three, you may need to gather the other members of the department, explain your decision and ask them to forgive the perpetrator and continue to work with them.

These are not the only options, and all options are open to potential objections!

The main biblical principle here is that while forgiveness can be a precious and healing thing, and while Christians are required to be forgiving people, forgiveness does not mean that the wrongdoer is freed from all responsibility for the wrong they have committed – nor should it do so.

In a situation like this you need to consider all angles, and how to be fair to all those affected by your decision.

Ask Salt&Light: Should I let an underperforming employee go?

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Dear Salt&Light,

I am a mother of a newborn and a social worker. I see a lot of meaning in my job and I know that my organisation needs people in my field. However, I also feel like leaving my job to look after my baby boy properly. What’s the right thing to do?

Ruth S., 32, social worker

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I have been in ministry work all my career life, managing my church’s mission trips and local mission projects. I am now 33, with a business degree from a local university, and I’m thinking of entering the corporate world. How can I market myself to potential employers and what are the two to three most important biblical values I must remember going into the secular workplace? 

Yvonne T, 33, pastoral worker 

Ten years in a church ministry doing local and overseas missions is a long time!

I imagine that the skills you have picked up would include:

1. Managing, motivating and mobilising people

In church there is a broad spectrum of types and personalities of people, and in these past 10 years you have worked with them. People skills are essential skills in the workplace today. Even though we use a lot of communications technology, we still work with people, including difficult ones. So you already have significant life and people skills.

2. Cross-cultural communications

Being in missions, both local and overseas, means that you have been working across cultures. Culture here includes people groups, as well as generations.

You would also have picked up what is called cultural intelligence, the ability to relate and communicate with people who are not like you.

In today’s globalised working environment, we relate to, and work with, people from all over the world as colleagues, team mates, clients, or customers. They will be different from us, hence cultural intelligence is a necessary skill. Understanding and being able to relate with people from other cultures also means that you understand your own culture well: You know how Singaporeans communicate and what we value. And so you can cross cultures and be understood by those of different cultures.

Together with the people skills mentioned above, you could be a bridge-builder, one who stands between people of different cultures and help them understand one another.

Furthermore, where there is conflict, you could also be a peacemaker, because you can understand where different people are coming from.

3. Being purpose-driven

Ten years in full-time ministry also shows that you are willing to work for something else apart from a high salary – you are willing to work for a higher purpose. You may have had times of financial difficulties, but you stuck it out.

It shows that you have motivations and strengths that are more than the material.

All these are some of the invaluable skills which you have gained in these past 10 years, and employers today would want people like you in their team.

Give credit where it’s due

One important two-part biblical value you need to remember as you go into the workplace is to “glorify God and honour others”.

First, remember as you go into the workplace that you are serving God and not man. We often say this but I hope that your 10 years in ministry has instilled this practice in you. Serving God means that there are some values which you will place above others, such as being trustworthy and not just getting the job done.

Being honest before God also means that you will face the consequences of your actions – if you have failed to do something, take responsibility. You don’t make excuses for your mistakes.

Second, honour others, especially the people whom you work with.

I presume you will work in a team, and there will be those who are over you and those who are your subordinates.

Honour them by giving credit where it is due, by standing with the team through thick and thin, and carrying your weight and responsibility in the team.

One way that you can be a witness at work is by being a good worker, one whom your colleagues know that they can trust to do what is given to you, and to do it well.

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I have a colleague who is very open about calling herself a Christian, but some of her behaviour – a passive-aggressive response to criticism and a lacklustre attitude to work – has earned the ire of our peers. I’m now afraid to mention being a believer myself, in case our peers start to judge both me and the faith. Is there something else I should do?

Sharon H, 30, equity research analyst 

It certainly is a continuous challenge for Christians, in all our imperfections, to follow Jesus every day.

In his book Every Good Endeavour, Timothy Keller says Christians should be different from non-believers at work and that cultivating attractively distinct lives is essential to our public witness.

The way we live for God should permeate all areas of life, especially in the workplace where we spend half our time.

But all of us fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and our colleagues are no exception. We are all on the same journey of faith. Sanctification is a process that never ends.

Paul says in Romans 7:18, 25: “Nothing good lives in me… Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

Regardless of how your colleagues behave, each of us have our own personal testimony and responsibility to positively reflect God in our work ethic, to be the salt and light in Jesus’ name.

Be Excellent at Work

Serve your employer as you would serve God. Strive for excellence in your responsibilities to the glory of God. Work done well is uncommon, and it will be noticed by our colleagues.

The quality of a Christian’s work and attitude should be different from the quality of work and attitude of those who don’t know Jesus. We are working for Him, and therefore our work should be good. Be reliable and dependable.

All of us fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and our colleagues are no exception.

Show respect for your colleagues and bosses – your conduct can help create opportunities outside the work hours for Gospel conversations. Your colleagues will inevitably associate your positive conduct at work with your faith.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians: 3:23)

Be Genuine

Build authentic and meaningful relationships with your colleagues. Love the people you work with.

If you are looking for the perfect colleague or boss, they don’t exist. We are called to love the people where they are, just as Christ loved us.

Our faith is not only content-oriented – many people come to know Jesus because a Christian has loved them. That is our ministry in the workplace, to encourage others and build an environment that allows the grace of God to shine through you.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Be Righteous

Speak impartiality into every situation. Avoid gossip and negative speech. Instead, with a view toward problem solving, offer an “upbeat word”. Look for opportunities to speak positively. Demonstrate honesty in all you do.

Be the first to acknowledge your mistakes, apologise, ask for forgiveness, make amends.

Many people come to know Jesus because a Christian has loved them.

Be Generous

If you get off on a wrong foot with anyone at work, heal the relationship. Acts of kindness toward that person will do more than words and good intentions. Let them see your heart by what you do.

We can also show generosity to our colleagues by loving them outside of work – attending a funeral if they lose a loved one, grabbing dinner with them if they are struggling or attending their wedding.

Generosity during after-work hours is a testimony of love – showing them that you see them as a whole person, not merely a productive colleague.

Be Prayerful

This is the most important step.

Seek the Lord each day, spend time in His presence and be attentive to what He lays on your heart. Our Father God loves you and knows your thoughts, your struggles and your work situation.

Pray for your Christian colleagues to walk faithfully in their daily witness at the workplace. Surrender your situation to Him and continue to trust in His guidance.

For “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”. (Romans 8:28)

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I have just started working. Would you be able to give me some key pointers about how I can be an effective contributor at work as a Christian.

Lim A W, 24, management associate

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
 
As Christians, we are reminded that we need to be a good example to those around us in all areas of our lives.

For most people, that is easier said than done, especially in our workplaces. Here are three tips to help you start your career in the right direction.

Know the purpose of your work

Are you working just to earn a living or is there a greater purpose to your work?

In the book Every Good Endeavour, author Timothy Keller reminds us that work is a form of worship to God. We are called to serve God through our work, regardless of where we are working or what we are tasked to do.

In the Bible, Romans 12:2 also reminds us that our identity is not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the constant renewal of our minds so that we can do what is pleasing to God.

Therefore it is important for us to be God-centric and to serve Him through our work. When we approach our work from this perspective, it adds meaning and purpose to our jobs beyond just earning a living and it also guides us in our everyday work behaviour and decisions.

Gain self awareness

Each of us has natural talents and abilities as well as learnt skills that we can use in our work to serve God.

Being aware of them allows us to know what forms of work we can be effective in. It also helps us manage expectations we place on ourselves when we compare or are compared to others at the workplace.

A simple way to gain self awareness is to reflect on your VIPS: Values (your beliefs), Interests (your interests), Personality (how you tend to behave and react) and Skills (your talents).

Self awareness is not gained overnight. It is a process of regular self reflection about our VIPS, through the situations we face and the choices we make.

Loving thy neighbour

Actions speaks louder than words and, as Christians, we know this as the “love thy neighbour” (Mark 12:31) commandment. 

“Loving thy neighbour” should be the basis for your actions at the workplace.

It transforms our workplace interactions from purely professional relationship into acts of love and kindness such as supporting a colleague who is struggling with work, keeping your cool under stressful situations, forgiving an uncooperative colleague, giving words of affirmation to colleagues and bosses.

Showing acts of love and kindness is easier said than done at workplaces.

Office politics, work conflicts, work style clashes; leader- follower issues are just some situations where “loving thy neighbour” applies too.

Therefore it is important for us to seek God for guidance and wisdom in managing difficult situations and be willing to yield to what is considered pleasing to Him. You may also learn from other trusted fellow Christians who have been longer in the workplace and find out how they coped with their situation. 

Starting your career on the right footing is important, so hopefully these three steps will get you started well.

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I am a mid-level management consultant who clocks over 70-80 hours a week. That means I am unable to take part in any ministry work, go for service faithfully on Sundays, or even meet up with cell mates every fortnightly. I still set aside about half an hour every morning to do my daily devotions, I pray throughout the day, and I try to live out the Gospel at work in terms of my demeanour around people. My colleagues know that I am a Christian.

I stand by the belief that as believer, we embody the Church. Yet, I feel like I have no Christian community to fall back on and I’m all alone in my walk with God. How can I fix the situation?

Linus E, 38, management consultant

I completely understand. Unfortunately, this kind of situation is only becoming more prevalent in the corporate world, especially in Asia, where the pace is only getting faster, locking people in a perpetual race.  

So how does the Christian life fit into this reality?

Believe it or not, there are certain jobs or sectors that are not as appropriate for believers.

The obvious ones are those that are morally questionable. But even those that are not require careful consideration. Christian values tell us that every facet of our lives must align with God’s purposes. For example, a job that is paid well but takes you away from your family 80% of the time, compromising your ability to be a present parent and a supportive spouse, would not be God-honouring.

Granted, there is no such thing as a perfect job, but there is a spectrum of more and less appropriate ones.  

My background is in advertising and my job definitely fell into the “less appropriate” category.

That’s not to say that Christians should not be in advertising but there are things to consider. 

To “fix the situation”, as you say, will not be one quick decision. It takes an open line of communication with God and an intentional posture of discernment.

I encourage you to consider the following:

1. Your identity

As a believer, what is your view of work as it relates to your faith?

Every aspect of a Christian’s life is meant to be worship, so how is your work an act of worship to God? As a Christian, how you view the purpose of work will dictate what you look for in a job, your reasons to stay, and your rationale to leave.

Remember that the title “Christian” identifies what you are and a job title identifies what you do. It’s often easy to mix up the two or even make the “doing” more important than the “being”.

Are you a Christ-follower who just happens to be a consultant or a consultant that just happens to be a Christ-follower?

In bouts of stress, you may feel stuck – as if you don’t have a choice to be there, your job is happening to you, and you’ve lost control over your life.

But by rooting your identity first and foremost in Christ, you put the power and control back where it belongs. When something happens, you will be more responding and less reacting.

The answers to this first part will help you see more clearly how work fits into your Christian walk and vice versa.  

2. Your purpose

Why does God want you in this particular job right now?

A job has to be about more than the money, and even more so for believers, as we aim to live life for Kingdom purposes. So what is it that God has purposed for you, at this job, in this season?

Is there something to learn, skills to hone, perspectives to broaden, relationships to build, or opportunities to witness for Christ?

Fact: Not all of us will have jobs that we are incredibly passionate about.

For those that do, those jobs become careers we labour at with love. For others, our passions live outside of work.

But passion or not, God has purposed something in our particular jobs and it is our responsibility as Christians to steward that purpose well.

Consider what you are working towards in this job. Don’t just show up and go through the motions.

Work towards something, even if it’s vague, so that you are not aimlessly plowing away.

Ask God why you’re there, own it, and show up with intention.

Consider what you want to take away when you leave. “Surviving the next 14 hours” cannot be your daily goal.

Only in continually learning will you be ready and worthy of the next step. It’s less about the promotion and more about how God wants you to grow in your career and as a person.

Knowing your purpose for this season will refine your expectations about your current job. You can then think about the third part.

3. Your season

How long should you plan to be here?

Whether you are passionate about your job or not, it has to be sustainable and especially in high intensity jobs, you need a cutoff point. Whether it’s by time, achievement, or life stage, the season will come to an end, hopefully having accomplished the purpose.

The Bible talks about man planning his way but the Lord directing his steps (Proverbs 16:9) and the need to count the cost of following Christ (Luke 14).

We have a responsibility to prayerfully think through where we’re going and what it’ll take. As we move ahead, we remain open to the Holy Spirit to guide and direct.

Take ownership of your part in this.

Many people find it easier to abdicate the decisions of their career to whatever happens in their company or environment, “well, if the company decides to do this, maybe I’ll do this” or “if they promote me, I guess I’ll stay”.

That’s not taking ownership.

Your work is worship to God. Your vocation is a way of using your skills to bless the world. Taking ownership means that God’s plans and purposes lead your work direction, not the company, your colleagues, or your boss.

Seeing this period of time with some – even if not specific – end in sight will motivate and encourage you to make the most of the present.

Reality is that you don’t have a lot of free time right now but grappling with these questions is worth making time for. God’s revelation to you in these areas will become the anchors in your heart, mind, and spirit as you navigate.

There is no perfect solution or instant answer, but know that “your labour in the Lord is not in vain”. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

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