Is there such a thing as a Christian career? What careers can Christians consider?
While it may be tempting to think there are "Christian" careers or careers that God values more highly, like being a missionary or a pastor, working as a staff member at a church or in a parachurch ministry, or teaching in a Christian school, the truth is that God can be honored in most any career. A Christian attorney can be just as effective for Christ as can a pastor. Ministry is something to which all Christians are called. It isn't a career, but a lifestyle.
Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." A little later, Paul writes, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23–24). It is in "whatever" we do that we are to do it in the name of the Lord.
In 1 Corinthians 7:17 Paul writes, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him." Ephesians 2:10 talks about there being good works that God prepared in advance for us. First Corinthians 12 talks about a diversity of spiritual gifts given meant for the building up of the church. We know that people are created with different talents and passions, and we know that Christians are called to have an influence on the world in whatever we do (Matthew 5:13–16; John 17:20–23). This implies that there will be a variety of careers among Christians. We honor God most when we steward well that with which He has equipped us (Matthew 25:14–30). Rather than try to find a "Christian" career, we should seek to live out the fullness of who God has made us to be. For some, this may mean working in a ministry setting. For others, it may mean something completely different.
It should be mentioned that "careers" that are illegal or immoral, such as prostitution, dealing drugs, or work in the pornography industry, would be excluded. But aside from these and other immoral or illegal careers, Christians can consider most any career—attorney, actor, air traffic controller, baker, builder, counselor, child care worker, designer, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, financial advisor, human resource officer, nurse, pilot, plumber, scientist, teacher, writer, stay-at-home mom, etc. The goal is to seek God's will for one's life, follow Him where He leads, and then perform one's job in a way that brings Him honor.
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