By GUEST WRITERS
What do you think about jobs that aren’t necessarily “Christian”? Is it possible to live a set apart life for God and have a “regular” job? (Such as being an interior designer, photographer, nutritionist, etc.)
answered by: Laura R. | CO, USA
Something that the Lord has taught me while working in both a ministry job and other vocations (barista, daycare worker, etc.) is that my occupation does not determine my set-apartness or righteousness.
Rather, how do I come to work each day? Do I enter each morning with an attitude that says it’s “just another day of work” or do I begin it with a mindset of expectancy for how the Lord will grow and use me that day?
As Paul says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-23). A dear friend once told me, “I want to know Jesus more by the time I’ve finished washing the dishes or getting the mail than when I began.” It made me think: Is this how I live my life? Or do I simply go through the tasks ahead of me?
A key to living set apart, no matter what your life holds, is learning to be intentional with every moment that you have — whether it’s “doing ministry” or simply filing papers or changing diapers — do you do it with the same heart in both situations? Let’s approach each day with this attitude: “Jesus, I desire to know You more through this!”
answered by: christy G. | Co, USA
I believe that living for Jesus in the “secular” or business world is essentially the same as living for Him anywhere else. Although the daily activities of a music teacher in America, for example, may be very different than those of a Bible translator deep in the jungle somewhere, the job is not “Christian”; you are the Christian, and wherever God calls you to walk that out, do it with all your heart! You belong to Christ, so He is your authority and your highest goal. As you walk with Him each day — seeking His Kingdom first, and allowing His Spirit to teach you what to do in each situation — He will receive glory. We read in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (ESV). Whether He calls you to feed orphans in a war-torn country, help your mom care for younger siblings at home, or become a brain surgeon, the important part is not so much what you do as a job, but how you do it. If the Spirit of God is ruling your life, people will see Him through you!
