Your job is an opportunity to show Christ to the world. It is a calling.

The first two chapters of the book of Daniel give us a solid pattern to follow in our professional life. We see this young man who was forced into an environment very different from what he was used to (remind you of your workplace?). But he made choices that honored God and he was ultimately rewarded for it.

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself…”

• Daniel made up his mind ahead of time to do the right thing. It is far easier for us to make a commitment to do the right thing, ahead of time instead of in the heat of the moment. Better yet, make a public commitment to one or multiple people, to help hold yourself accountable.

Daniel 1:17 “God gave them (Daniel and his fellow abductees) learning and skill in all literature and wisdom…”

• Scripture is clear that when we ask for wisdom, He will grant it. Our desire should be to do excellent work. We should ask God to help us to be great at what we do, so that He will be honored. A strong work ethic and excellent skills, are the foundation to a credible testimony in the work place.

Daniel 2:14 “Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion…”

• This is how Daniel responded as he was sought out to be killed. For something he didn’t do! I struggle to respond with prudence and discretion when people slightly annoy me. Daniel was a wise and mature young man who was obviously under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Resolve ahead of time to do what is right

Be great at what you do

Respond to others with forethought and caution

Worries, fears, doubts, etc. Most of us struggle at times with these things. We spend time and emotional energy worrying about the future. The world presents myriad issues to be concerned about; the health of those we know and love, our financial security, how we are perceived by others, our children’s future, wars and conflicts, politics, etc. The list is endless.

We spend much time and energy working to mitigate these worries and fears. Planning, saving, pursuing education, knowing the right people, having the right job, getting the kids into the right school, etc. Planning is a good thing, but it must not become the main thing.

At the end of Matthew chapter 6, Christ taught clearly and specifically about worrying. He asked, “can you add an hour to your life by worrying?” Instead, He said to first seek the kingdom and His righteousness. Then, what we need will be provided for.

You’ve heard this all before. “Trust God and it will all work out!” “Let go and let God!” But, these superficial cliches are missing a key ingredient.

Obedience

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalm‬ ‭119:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we are walking in full obedience, we have nothing to fear. Pursue obedience. Pursue and hunger for righteousness. And everything else will work out. Even the troubles that come can be faced with confidence as we walk in obedience.

The first step? Genuinely pray as David did in Psalm 51:10 –

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

And keep obedience to Him as the main thing!

Ever meet someone who had a limited perspective? That colleague who just can’t see the bigger picture. That young person who is drowning in the drama of the day. The adult who is oblivious to the world around them. We are guilty too – Believers are expected to have an eternal perspective.

James 4:14

What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Years ago I heard a message regarding keeping eternal perspective. I began to think more about the fact that this life is infinitely short in comparison to eternity. Although it is easy to become focused on getting all I can out of this life, my actions during this brief journey on earth have an eternal impact.

What if I said that if you lived in the woods with no food or water for 24 hours, I would give you 500 million dollars, peace and happiness for the rest of your days! You would have to be insane to not be willing to rough it for 24 hours for that kind of reward. This analogy pales in comparison to what is in store for those who love and follow Christ.

Scripture tells us our life is a mist. The older I get the more I see it. As Believers we are commanded to sacrifice. To put our wants on hold and obey Christ. To put God first, others second, and ourselves last. God has a great reward for those who love and follow Him. And sacrificing for a minute is nothing if you have an eternal perspective.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Our troubles are light and momentary. I have to be reminded of this too.

Cultivate an eternal perspective.

So much clamors for our attention. The opportunities to do things seems endless; sports, shopping, entertainment, and hobbies alone can consume us. We live in a society that enables us to stay endlessly busy.

But, does busy equal effective? Years ago Stephen Covey wrote about putting “First Things First”. He showed us how to develop a vision of who we want to be and how to manage our time to support that vision. His approach is logical. For a Believer, the “vision” is clear.

God’s Glory.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)

An impartial view of our calendar and checkbook will go a long ways in telling us if we are putting His kingdom first. The specifics of how we apply these truths will vary by person. But, the principles apply to all of those who are followers of Christ.

• How are you using your time and talent in ministry?
• How are you consistently praying for the advancement of Gods kingdom?
• How much time do you put into reading Gods Word?
• How are you giving financially to help more people hear the good news?
• Who are you discipling?

I was once challenged to create a personal mission statement. This exercise helped to clarify how I would live out the mandate to “seek first His kingdom”. Over the years I have edited, but it has continued to be a guiding document for me. It is framed in scripture and gives practical guidance for me.

I encourage you to do the same. Save it and refer back to it.

As a friend of mine has said, “dont dumb your way through life”. Have a plan and then work the plan. For the Glory of God.