I'm also extremely thankful that I now have experience in the secular work world so that I can better understand those I'll be ministering to. In light of this, I thought it might be helpful for those of you going into or working in ministry to post the lessons I've learned in this non-ministry setting. For those not working in ministry hopefully this will give you insight into why it doesn't take having a ministry job to stay close to God.
1. It can be challenging to find daily time for Scripture reading and prayer.
This is especially true if you have kids. I don't have them but my good Christian friend at work does (and he's a single dad!). But one important thing to note here... if God is truly #1 in your life you will find the time. I did and still do.
2. If you're too focused on some future calling you may miss your present one.
I certainly struggled with this - especially during those first two years. I was constantly thinking about seminary and even now I'm constantly thinking about full-time ministry in the future. But none of that changes the fact that God's called me to work at this job NOW and affect THESE PEOPLE for Jesus NOW.
3. It's extremely God-honoring to go to work every day, be on time, and work hard to provide for your family.
Struggle with this one? Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10 & 1 Timothy 5:8. Also it's amazing how many people try to scheme and angle for every opportunity to miss work, be late, or leave early. I have very little respect for that and I would have to think God is the same.
4. If you don't find your God-given calling early (like in college) it can be very hard to change careers later in life.
One of the saddest things to see is someone who does not like their job but has kids to feed and can't take the financial risks to change careers. Furthermore there are so many people who go to jobs every day that they are not passionate about. Find out your gifts and abilities and go find a job that maximizes your ability to work at something you love to glorify God in the utmost (1 Peter 4:10, Col. 3:23).
5. It can be extremely difficult to share your faith with your co-workers.
But as Christians we're called to do just that. Think about this... would you rather not offend someone or help them escape from eternity in hell?
6. Many businesses care about money, not people.
The bottom line in the business world can be a very sick and sinful thing. I've seen it many times in my short experience. Money is the end-all-be-all. If you help the company make it, you're loved. If you don't, you're gone. While this is understandable (the business wouldn't be there if it didn't make money) it's also hard to deal with because people sometimes suffer. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10) and you can't serve both God and money (Matt. 6:24). But there are exceptions and my job for the most part has been one of them! I'm very grateful.
7. You will be tempted to compromise your Christian values to get ahead:
- Family (by working 60 hours a week)
- Love for others (by stepping on anyone to get noticed and applauded)
- Honesty (by lying to customers, co-workers, and/or supervisors for corporate or personal benefit)
- Speaking in love (by participating in gossip or lewd joking - especially with management)
8. Some Christian values will gain you respect and approval like Daniel.
Daniel 6:4-5 should be our goal and even non-Christians will realize our integrity and character if we practice these values.
- Integrity (working hard and doing right when no one is watching) (Eph. 6:6, Col. 3:22)
- Dependability (showing up everyday on time) (Matt. 5:37)
- Striving for excellence in every task for the glory of God (Col. 3:23, 1 Cor. 10:31)
- Holding others accountable for excellence
- Confronting and rebuking in love when necessary
- Serving like Christ and doing work no one else wants to do (Phil. 2:3-4)
9. It can be very hard to love people who don't work hard or have integrity.
But again we must strive to do this even though it is hard. One thing you can do that I've found to be effective is when someone is upsetting you or doing things that lose your respect pray for them. Pray for God to bless them. It's hard not to feel love for someone you're praying for... if you really mean it when you pray. Second, remember the sins God has forgiven you for. Anything that person has done to you is not near as bad as the rebellion and treason you've shown God by sinning and breaking his law, yet God willingly forgives you.
10. There are some non-Christians who work harder and have more integrity than Christians.
This is probably the most sad and disappointing lesson I've learned. As Christians we should work harder and have more integrity than anyone for we have the greatest motivation to do so (Col. 3:23). But sometimes this just doesn't happen. It breaks my heart. We're losing our witness to the world when we skip work, call in sick all the time, slack off, talk about the boss behind his/her back, etc.
11. You can be a great witness for Jesus Christ by refusing to participate in some workplace conversations
- Gossip
- Demeaning races, genders, political parties, religions
- Sexual jokes
12. It's a fight every day to allow your Christianity to pervade your work life
Those who view Christ as only a part of their lives will be poor at this. Those who give their work equal or greater importance than Christ will also be poor at this. But those who submit everything in their lives to Christ's Lordship will be great at it.
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