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.
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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
