Involving God in Your Job Search
I can’t believe the number of times I have counseled a Christian (male or female) about their career choices only to find that God has no part in it. This doesn’t mean they don’t pray about getting (or keeping) a job. They do! But, apart from prayers of petition, when it comes to career choices God has no part in their job search . They search for jobs in the same way that non-believers do!
Let me explain. The traditional job search method : resume, cover-letter, reading help wanted ads, and networking is the same for them as it is for everyone else. They even fall victim to the advice to lie on their resumes because everyone else is. They forget one extremely important fact: Each of us is made in the image and likeness of God and endowed by the Creator with unique (and infinitely valuable) gifts that make us-one-of-a-kind.
Instead of learning how to discover, develop, and perfect their unique gifts from God, they try to be like everyone else. They compete for jobs that don’t match their talents and strengths . They apply for jobs simply for the compensation and the security they believe a higher salary will provide.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t be applying for well paying positions with excellent benefits. What I’m saying is that by ignoring their unique talents and trying to be what they are not, they are betraying Jesus’ command to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (This is a highly misunderstood quote. It is not telling us to be our perfect God. It is telling us that we must be perfectly ourselves. And we cannot be ourselves if we are busy trying to be what (and who) we are not.)
Each of us is a child of God, given certain unique talents from God (see the parable of the talents: Matthew 25:14-30) and EXPECTS us to use them, to multiply them for HIM.
It is literally impossible for us to do for God what He wants us to do (to do God’s will) by denying God’s gifts. God’s will be done.
Is it wrong then to include God at a much deeper level in your job search than to merely pray for results? Of course not. Pray for results, but also pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, piety, counsel, and fear of the Lord, the gifts of the Holy Spirit that will lead you into the discovery and expression of your strengths in your work.
Here at Creating the Future of Work (http://www.creatingthefutureofwork.com) we are using biblically inspired principles, totally verified by scientific studies on human potential, to show you a way to discover, develop, perfect, and market your strengths to employers. Follow the steps. E-mail us your questions. Attend our seminars and grow your strengths in such a way as to create the future of work, which is right livelihood and true success.
Allow us to help you in your Christian job search to achieve Christian career change.
Sincerely,
Deacon Christopher L. Hansen
