Our faith and identity in Christ encompasses and influences every aspect of our lives, including the long-term decisions we make in our careers.
One of the most important decisions we face is what to do with our lives. The question is, how do we choose a career path that aligns with our identity in Christ?
Here are four tips to consider.
1. First, do no harm.
There are certain industries that operate on the margins of the law, blurring the line between what’s “right” and “wrong.” There are certain jobs that encourage people to take advantage of others in the name of maximizing profits. There are businesses that create hazardous conditions—environmental or financial—for others.
The question is, can someone pursue a career in a “gray area” and still maintain an identity in Christ? If we choose a job for less-than-noble reasons, do we damage our witness to others? Do we open ourselves to legitimate accusations of hypocrisy?
In Titus 1:16, the apostle Paul warns against people who “profess to know God, but in works … deny Him.” In 1 Timothy 6:9, he warns against improper motives in choosing a career. “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
2. Consider how God has equipped you.
In Ephesians 2:10, the apostle Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Each of us has been given a unique set of…
- skills
- abilities
- limitations
- passions
- preferences
- opportunities
- strengths
- weaknesses
The challenge is to find a career path that best aligns with our unique makeup. If you have experience in the workforce, you already may have an idea of where your path does or doesn’t lie. If not, you may want to consult people who know you well for input.
3. Think of the glory.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Your job falls squarely in the category of “whatever you do.” Some careers naturally lend themselves to glorifying God. Others can be made to glorify God with some thought, creativity and effort. But if you can’t find any legitimate way to bring glory to God in the work you do, you may need to reconsider your career path.
Remember, every career is a service industry.
No matter what career you choose, your first job requirement is serving others. Can you impact other people’s lives in a positive way? Can you bring joy and hope to people who need it? Can you make someone’s life better? Can you ease someone’s troubles? These are all important considerations when choosing a career path.
No salary guarantee, stock option or benefits package can equal the value of this promise from Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
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