Possible Barriers to Purpose: Your Job #1

God is a worker. The first chapter of Genesis describes God’s work in creating everything. God worked for six days, and at the end of each day He saw that His work was good. Then on the seventh day He rested.

You were created in the image of God. If God is a worker, so are you. You were created to work, and like God, to do good work. You, too, are to set aside one day each week to rest. On this day you are to worship God, enjoy creation, experience community, and recharge your batteries.

But there are inherent dangers in confusing your job as your work. Your job is only one component of the work God created you to do. It’s important to view your employment in its proper perspective.

Your work is NOT your purpose
Your occupation isn’t the reason God created you. It is a means to an end; it is not the end itself. God expects you to work in a profession that maximizes your abilities and contributes to society. Your job is important. You spend most of your waking hours engaged in your occupation. Like God, you are to do quality work – work you can be proud of accomplishing. But don’t confuse your job with your purpose on earth.

Your work is NOT your priority
There are 5 spheres of life. In order of priority they are: God, family, work, church, and community.

Your first and foremost priority is your relationship with God. Apart from Him you can do nothing. What will it matter if you gain the whole world – and lose your soul?

Your next priority is your family – your spouse first and then your children. If you spend 50 – 60 – or 70 hours at work, there won’t be much time and energy to give to your family. What will it matter if you gain the whole world – and lose your family?

The third priority is your job. My dad taught me to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Work hard on the job; but also work smart on the job. Don’t allocate too many hours to it; don’t invest all of your energy in it; and don’t put it on top of your priority list.

Your fourth priority is church. It’s not just about going to church services. It’s also about serving in the church. God expects you to use your time, talents, and treasure to serve others.

The final priority is your community. By this I mean everything else beyond the other four spheres of life. It’s good to serve on the PTA, village board, etc. But it takes a back seat to everything else in your life.

Your work is NOT your identity
It’s easy to begin to think that you are what you do. Promotions are wonderful and larger paychecks help financially. But you are more than your job title and far more than how much you make. As someone has said, “you are a treasured child of the Most High God.” Don’t ever forget it.