Biblical Career Principles
“I think most of us are looking for a calling, not a job.
Most of us have jobs that are too small for our spirit.
Jobs are not big enough for people.” Nora Watson
PRINCIPLE: WORKMANSHIP
1. God wants you to see how extraordinary you are. (Psalm 139)
- God is a creative God; therefore, you are unique.
- God is a craftsman; therefore, your God-given talents are good.
- God is a designer; therefore, you are equipped with a purpose.
Q: What are some personal characteristics that you feel distinguish you
from other people?
WARNING: This knowledge can either motivate you to worship the Creator or you can worship yourself. Many people are so devoted to self-improvement that they have missed the point. What is the point? That I exist for Him. He doesn’t exist for me.
PRINCIPLE: LORDSHIP
2. God expects you to acknowledge His right to be Lord of your career
by presenting your life to Him. (Rom 12:1, 2Cor 5:15, 1Cor 6:19,20)
The awesome, almost painful truth is that you can choose to withhold yourself from God.
Q: What would it mean to make Christ the Lord of your career? Tell Him
your deepest fears.
PRINCIPLE: STEWARDSHIP
3. God expects you to accept responsibility for wisely managing and
investing the abilities God has entrusted to your care. (Mt 25:21)
God is looking for a good return on His investment. You can’t just sit
back and wait.
Q: What are some of your own hesitations in embracing the attitude of
“God & me—together” in your stewardship?
PRINCIPLES: WORK, EXPRESSION, PROVISION, & MISSION
4. God expects you to invest your life in purposeful activity…
Work is good…it’s God’s idea. (Gen 1:28,29) God enjoyed His
work (Gen 1:31) and He wants the same for you.
…that expresses your design. (Ex 36:1)
Q: How would you describe your “ideal job”?
…that provides for your needs. (1Tim 5:8, Prov 30:7-9)
Q: What areas of your life—finances, time for family/friends,
reflection, time with God, relaxation—do you find most difficult
to provide for right now?
…that meets His agenda (mission) on earth. (1Cor 15:58, 2Cor 5:17-20)
Q: What in your world needs doing?
PRINCIPLE: INTEGRATION
5. God expects you to integrate expression, provision, and mission in
your work life. (Mt 6:33)
Q: Is there any imbalance in your current thinking about work?
PRINCIPLE: INTEGRITY
6. God expects you to live a godly life while you work. (1Pe 2:12)
Who you are as a Christian should be reflected in the following personal
characteristics of your work:
- A commitment to get the job done. (Eph 6:5-9, Titus 2:9,10)
- A dedication to excellence. (1Cor 10:31)
- Quality of relationships that reflects your desire to follow Christ.
Q: Of the characteristics mentioned, which do you struggle with most?
PRINCIPLE: INTERDEPENDENCE
7. God expects you to acknowledge your need for others in discovering
and doing work. (1Cor 12:21, 24-26)
Q: Whom could you turn to for wise counsel?
