When I was younger, Serving God Through Work didn’t use to come easy on me.
The reason is that, from a shallow perspective, it seems that the people who serve the cause of God, the evangelization of the world, are those who are directly involved in that task through their job.
That is, those who serve as pastors, ministers, front-line workers, or clerics.
At least that was the unconscious idea in my mind until I understood the things I want to share with you today.
I am sure that some people with professions other than mine can also feel identified.
A careful look at the matter in the Bible allows us to understand that this is not the case.
#1. God uses people from all trades
I would like to present you with a small example, among many others in the Bible, in which we can see how Serving God Through Work is possible for all of us regardless of our job or trade.
Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.
Exodus 28
In this bible verse, we can see God had a special project.
He wanted to set up His tabernacle to dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.
To this end, He was organizing the religious service, and as part of it, He ordered that special clothing be made for His priests.
Unfortunately, Moses and Aaron, who had spiritually led God’s cause so far, did not have the skills to carry out the required activity.
For the task at hand, God did not need preachers or prophets.
God needed artisans.
A trade that those who exercised it in their time, or those who practice it today, might not find so useful for Serving God Through Work.
However, God has a broader perspective of His plans and purposes than we might in many cases come to understand.
In today’s example, God had already endowed certain people with special artistic abilities to carry out His plans.
People whose work did not seem to have a direct relationship with God’s cause ended up embarking on His plans.
In the same way, God’s activity in the world is great and diverse nowadays.
His projects and plans require different roles, functions, and skills with which He can use you anywhere you are.
I would like to present two more ideas to complete this topic, in the hope that they will be of blessing to your life.
#2. God has a specific task for you in His work
The second idea is that whatever your job, if God gave you the gifts and talents to execute it, and if you are faithful to Him in your life; He can use you through that job in specific tasks for His work.
God endowed you with a certain personality, certain gifts, and certain abilities. These may not correspond to the area of religious affairs directly. However, there is surely room in God’s work for you as well.
By faithfully using these gifts in the right area for the Lord’s purposes, you will render the best service and your Christian and life experience will be enriched.
If you feel unsure about what exactly you can do, continue to be faithful and pray patiently.
If you do, Serving God Through Work will be something that will come on its own, because God will surely show you how to directly serve His cause with your specific characteristics.
#3. You are more than your job.
The third idea I would like to present to you is that you are more than the work you do.
Your profession, while true, has a major impact on your social circles, influences, and preferences; it does not define or limit your identity or service capacity.
I repeat: your profession does not define or limit your identity, nor your capacity for service.
Take me for example, I am an accountant who is also a storyteller and writes a blog about spiritual topics with which various people are encouraged in the ways of God.
In the same manner, I recommend that you do not let your identity and influence be limited by your ideal of the exercise of your job.
You have been called to help in God’s plans by serving others around you, regardless of what work you earn a living with.
Instead, you can try Serving God Through Work with a broader perspective, using it as one more way to serve people who need Jesus, regardless of the activity you do.
Conclusion
Your task in the world, serving others and helping them to know Jesus, is not limited by your job.
If you focus on your real task, rather than the work you do to make a living, you will see how your life purpose transcends your workplace, and you can develop anywhere by being yourself in Christ.
You will also see more and more opportunities through which your profession qualifies you to serve God’s cause directly in a special way.
I hope these words have been a blessing to you and will help you learn to serve God with your profession.
As a bonus for understanding better this topic, let me recommend to you the book: Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Timothy Keller
Also, go ahead and read our blog post on Biblical Principles For Career Success.
What do you think about Serving God Through Work? What is your experience? Share in the comments.
