God’s Workers

devo1“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15

Our focus in June is “Pierce my heart in choosing a career.” I’m sure most of you reading this can relate with me back when we were little girls, always dreaming of the things we wanted to be when we grew up. Doctors, teachers, veterinarians––and the ever-popular princess––among the most common! Now that we are older and have more developed personalities, we probably have a better idea about what we’d really like to have a career in. But, if you are like me, choosing a career can be a tough thing!

Some of you may be thinking, I have plenty of time to think about that, but it is never too early to start planning and working toward your goal. The earlier you can begin taking classes and/or training to reach your job of choice, the easier it will be in the long run. First, we should tackle…reality!

Reality Check

For a girl who loves fairytales and “in-my-perfect-world” scenarios, reality has always been a bit of an enemy to me. But, I’ve come to see that reality is really much better than anything I can imagine! In reality, yes, any workplace can have tough situations and temptations at times, but God is always our Rock and Strength (Psalm 18:1-3), and will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). I love to remember that! Let’s look at some very real temptations that may come up in certain careers:

  • Gossiping and bad-mouthing other employees
  • Lying about your accomplishments / taking credit for someone else’s work
  • Feeling the “need” to make more money and be “bigger” and “more important”
  • Pressure to attend immoral after-hours parties or activities
  • Exposure to foul and obscene language
  • Placing work before your family, the church, and God

And there are many more! At first glance, it sounds like I’m trying to be negative about careers, but it’s important to be prepared when choosing a good career. You must take into consideration the effects a certain job will have on you and those in your life. Study God’s word and find out the truth about how negative influences can affect you (I Cor. 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14; I Timothy 6:10) so that you can be prepared and be an unashamed worker for God.

devo2For some of you, your career choices may seem limited, but you can remain steadfast in the Lord, and withstand the trials you’ll face! For others, you may be blessed with a wide range of career opportunities, and you should choose wisely! Simply having a job is a blessing these days, but we must not forget to keep reality in view and be constant in representing Him.

Christians: Stand Up or Sit Back?

To prepare ourselves, we can assume that there will be temptations. What are you going to do about it? You could go along and join in the sin, but you know that is not pleasing to God (Romans 12:2; James 4:17; I John 2:15). You could ignore the wrongs, but how would those in sin know how to get on the right path unless you kindly and lovingly talk to them? (I Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:13-15) Or…you could represent Christ (Galatians 2:20; Phil. 2:5).

Some coworkers may respond very well to your care and concern for their souls; however, others that you work for or with may not agree with you––but what is that to you? Should we not please God instead of men? (Galatians 1:10; Acts 5:29) It’s always important to stand up for Christ, even when it may be the unpopular thing. If you have to be in a career where there are immoral things and people around you, do not be afraid to be different! God has not given us a spirit of fear, and He will not leave us. (2 Tim. 1:7; Heb. 13:5-6) What a spectacular thought!

So Many Options!

We’ve prepared ourselves, girls. We know that there are always temptations, but that we can overcome them with God! Now, explore the amazingly wide world of careers and opportunities. Think about your talents, your likes, your dislikes, your weaknesses, your passions, and so on. If you can find a job that fits your personality and skill, that is wonderful!

Many women, however, choose to stay at home. And, although there is no monetary pay, this is also a good “career,” especially when having a family! Stay-at-home moms keep the house presentable, cook, and spend extra time with their children, which enables them to follow God’s plan and command for the family (Deut. 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6; Titus 2:4-5). Many women who stay at home are able to run small home-based businesses that are successful, too!

devo5When choosing your career, make sure it is something you will enjoy. Often, people are asked why they do what they do, and they reply “for the pay.” But, in my opinion, it is greater to do something you truly are passionate about. That way, you will be able to use the talents God has given you to their fullest, and you will be joyful in using them! This doesn’t excuse us, however, from being joyful in our work and using our talents when in a job that is not our passion.

Working Full-Time…For God

Once, our preacher gave a sermon on “A Christian’s Job Description,” and that title sticks out to me in this devotional. Of course, we should never think of being a Christian as a “job,” but rather, a great privilege! If you are already a Christian, realize that you have the most important, wonderful, rewarding, and blessed “job” in the entire world! How humbling that is, knowing that God has allowed us to have such a position. You are working for the best Boss in the world, too!

As in every job, your attitude is extremely important! Here are some “job requirements” from the Bible that our preacher shared:

1.Must work reverently and respectfully (Phil. 2:12)
2.Must work confidently, knowing that God works in you (Phil. 2:13)
3.Must work willingly (Phil. 2:14)
4.Must work inoffensively, giving it your best to do what is right (Phil. 2:15)
5.Must work steadfastly, continuing on (Phil. 2:16)
6.Must work cheerfully (Phil. 2:17-18)

Those are all wonderful ways to work in any job, but are even more needed in being a Christian and serving such a great, powerful, merciful God.

Oh, Career! Where are you?

Finding a career you will enjoy may take some time, but don’t become discouraged! If you already know what you’d like to do, that is great! Have patience, have fun, and enjoy having a career one day, Lord willing. It doesn’t have to be just a “job.” It can be a place in your life where you find happiness and opportunity! Most importantly, let’s always remember to seek to please God first in whatever careers we may consider (Matt. 6:33), and never forget our most important “employment”: serving others, serving Christ, and obeying our Father in heaven.

By Hannah Smith

Comments

  1. You are a great writer! Keep up the good work! I love the picture of the little “princess”! I always wanted to be a mommy. That is what I did the best, I believe. Homemaking is and was the one job that I love/loved the most! I’m a secretary now, but my fulfillment comes from taking care of my home and spending time with my family. However, I don’t begrudge women of having a career if that’s what they choose and where they are happy. I have known some women to be better wives and mothers when they had a career. That’s why it is very important to know yourself and to know what makes you happy, as you have stated.

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