God, Career & The Marketplace
When discussing God and religion, one hears a lot about a spiritual walk.
This describes a lifetime relationship with God…practicing spiritual disciplines, living a Christ-like life moment-by-moment, and learning to walk in obedience to His commands.
Christians view the spiritual walk as special, sacred and above the normal routine of life.
On the other hand, the world usually views a career as separate from a person's spiritual life.
It is defined as a job or series of jobs that ultimately lead to success, achievement, money, power and material possessions. It is real, tangible and based on the here-and-now.
But, what does Scripture say about a career and what is God's perspective?
God's Perspective
- A Career is one of the "walks" a Christian will take on his/her spiritual journey. The "Career Walk" is part of the journey; not separate from it. (Ps 84:11; 86:11; 1 Cor 7:17)
- A Christian's career is part of the unique work that God has called him/her to do. This unique work will have an eternal impact on others. (2 Tim 1:9; 1 Peter 2:9)
- The Holy Spirit teaches, counsels and guides the Christian to bring his/her career under the authority of Christ as outlined in God's Word. (John 14:16, 26; 2 Tim 3:16)
The Marketplace Perspective
- A "real" career involves a relentless pursuit of achievement, success, money, power and material possessions throughout one's lifetime.
- To take one's career seriously means climbing the corporate ladder at the expense of family and relationships.
- Stress, burnout and loneliness are the norm and "there's no gain without pain" becomes the new personal slogan.
- Career fervor and zeal are powered by fear of failure and rejection, as well as reliance on self
