Life’s Work

Life’s Work – Career – Change the Heart

Obedience

An individual’s career should have obedience to God as its foundation. We have to remember that we are not serving man, but are serving God. With obedience we can establish within our network of people we meet, a strong ethic coupled with accountability.

Our plans must always include a strong sense of commitment, but commitment must never be without righteousness. Over the years we have all seen misplaced commitment. Proverbs 16:2 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Remove, to the extent you can, any hint of self-interest or self-motivation. You must give it all over to God. God must be the sole focus and intent. It’s about conforming to His will, not using His will to get what you want.

Prayer

Prayer is not only our way of expressing our desires but it is also necessary to let our heart acknowledge His sovereignty and be directed by Him. Do not forget to listen as well. Prayer is not about having a monologue with God, where you talk at Him, but about communication, allowing your heart to be shaped by scripture in the process.

Worship

The foundation for divine living is rooted in our purpose for being in this world. We are here first and foremost to worship God. All aspects of life are rooted in our need to worship Him. Worship is not just what we do on Sunday morning. It is much greater than that. Worship begins with a heart centered on loving God and loving our neighbor. It is an attitude of putting others first. It is a work ethic of looking for ways of blessing others through our means of making a living and in our walk with our neighbor. It is directly opposite of what the world teaches, “What’s in it for me?” It is praying each day for the divine opportunity to “reach people for Christ.” It is the art of becoming a marketplace pastor and making work our worship of the Lord. Pastoring in the marketplace is for everyone.

Purpose

80% of people are unfulfilled in their work. Why are they unfulfilled? God called each of us for a purpose. When we walk in the purpose for which we were called, we are able to experience a freedom of watching God orchestrate every step of our lives. The trust we have in God brings confidence in the steps we take. Fulfillment can only come to those who are in the will of their Heavenly father. We all need to have a sense of purpose, and we only find that when we are serving God or serving God by serving others.

Scripture

The classic story in the scriptures was the story of Joseph. He had a dream of his brothers bowing down to him. So he believed that God had an ultimate purpose for his life. Joseph began as a shepherd tending flocks but his brothers sold him into slavery. Though a slave, he was never a slave because he was running Potiphar’s household. Though a prisoner, he was really never a prisoner because he was running the jail. He had been sent to jail based on a false accusation. In Joseph’s mind and heart, he was always the governor of Egypt.

The scriptures say that he had favor with God and man. Why did he have favor with God and man? He had favor with both because his righteousness was evident in his life. God prepared Joseph to understand the middle class with his training as a shepherd. He also understood the rich with his responsibility in running the household of Potiphar. His time in jail helped him prepare for working with the oppressed. All was in preparation for leading as the prince of Egypt.