We all have a calling on our life; nobody is meant to be idle. There is a classic phrase that says, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” There is a lot of wisdom in this adage. When we fail to live out our God-given calling, we end up filling our time in ways that fail to honor God, and we fail to step into our full potential. So we should pray like the psalmist in Psalm 90:17: “Lord, prosper the work of our hands” (NAB). When we work for God and under His blessing, this leads to a meaningful work life.
Sometimes, we can fall into a false dichotomy: Some work (namely ministry and church work) is for God, and everything else is sort of just spiritually neutral. This mindset leads some people to compartmentalize their spiritual life, which prevents them from seeing every moment as an opportunity to serve and honor God. Paul sets the record straight on this, however, when he says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT).
Every time we clock in to our jobs, regardless of what they are, we have an opportunity to bring God honor. When the farmer goes out into the fields to farm, he honors God by being His hands and feet, helping in the process of bringing people their daily bread. When the nurse clocks in to aid in the healing process of a person in the hospital, she brings honor to God by being an extension of His healing hands and feet. When the fashion designer creates a beautiful dress for someone to wear, she is bringing joy and aesthetic pleasure to the world, imitating God who is the Creator of all things bright and beautiful. When the schoolteacher enters the classroom to instruct the children, he imitates Jesus who is our true Teacher.
With the right mindset, the whole world is a mission field, every vocation is a ministry, every moment is an opportunity to seek God and show your love for Him. With the right mindset, every moment is a spiritual moment, and every moment has the potential for building up your relationship with God.
And this leads to the most important thing to consider as Christians in our career path. Too often, people fall into the trap of idolizing their jobs. They put all their time, focus, and attention into it. They neglect to think of their family and God as much as they should, because their whole identity is wrapped up in their career. However, if a person remembers to submit their career path into the hands of God, and they have the mindset to do it for His glory, this removes the idolatrous mindset and puts everything in its proper order.
Each day before you clock in, pray that God will bless the work of your hands and use your job to bring joy, peace, and beauty to the world. Ask Him to make you His hands and feet in whatever part of the marketplace you find yourself in. Ask God to take your career and make it a kingdom-advancing mission.
Prayer
Lord God, help me to make my life, even my career, completely revolve around You. Help me to serve You through whatever job I do. Help me to keep my priorities straight, and remember that You are God over all, even my labor. I love You, Lord, and thank You for the job You’ve given me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
