Choosing a Career from a Christian Perspective

Jul 7, 2024

Lecture on Choosing a Career from a Christian Perspective

Introduction

  • Importance of career choice: Significant part of life spent at work (70,000 hours or ~2,916 days).
  • Average full-time job: ~8 hours a day, one-third of the day.
  • Success in career choice involves thoughtful steps.
  • Steps for Christians to find a suitable career.

Step 1: Look at How God Made You

Key Points

  • Reflect on personal creation: Psalm 139:14 - "fearfully and wonderfully made".
  • Understand uniqueness as a God-created individual.
  • Key areas to examine:
    • Desires: What appeals to you in a career? Consider lifestyle and personal goals.
    • Strengths: Assess natural talents and skills. Identify areas of proficiency and interest for future learning.
  • Example scenario: Speaker's journey through firefighting and law enforcement reflecting personal desires and strengths.

Reflection Questions

  • Do you prefer working alone or with people?
  • Indoors or hands-on outdoor work?
  • Routine or dynamic schedule?

Step 2: Make a Decision

Key Points

  • Make an informed career decision: Joshua 24:15 - Importance of choice.
  • Planning and preparation before decision.
  • Steps to Plan:
    • List potential careers.
    • Record detailed pros and cons.
    • Consider educational and financial impact.
    • Have a backup plan.
  • Personal story: Speaker's shift from firefighting to law enforcement.

Tips

  • Be specific about career aspirations.
  • Always have an alternative plan.
  • Don’t quit current job hastily until new plan is confirmed.
  • Money shouldn't be the sole driving factor; job satisfaction is crucial.

Step 3: Constant Communication with God

Key Points

  • Importance of prayer and thanksgiving: Philippians 4:6-7.
  • Seek God's direction in career decisions.
  • Example scenario: Speaker declining a higher-paying job to attend college.
  • Transition period: Use prayer, Scripture, and fasting.
  • Proverbs 16:9 - "Man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps".

Step 4: Get Experience

Key Points

  • The value of gaining experience: Example of Jesus feeding the multitude (Matthew 14:19-21).
  • Apply for jobs, internships, or volunteer to gain practical experience.
  • Shift focus from choosing the 'correct' career to learning and gaining experience.
  • Example scenarios: Benefits speaker gained from various job experiences.

Step 5: Talk to People with Desired Careers

Key Points

  • Seek counsel from professionals: Proverbs 15:22.
  • Interview those with careers you’re considering.
  • Example: Speaker's experience discussing career paths with students.

Guidance

  • Ask about day-to-day job responsibilities, pros, and cons.
  • Network through family, friends, social media, and community colleges.

Conclusion

Recap

  1. Look at how God made you.
  2. Make a decision.
  3. Be in constant communication with God.
  4. Get experience.
  5. Talk to people with your desired career.

Encouragement

  • Trust in the Lord’s guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Seek God first (Matthew 6:33).
  • Hold plans with an open hand, be prepared for God's redirection.
  • Personal testimony on God's clear guidance away from law enforcement.
  • Remember Jesus loves you.