Treat Your Career As A Calling

“Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!” Exodus 31:1-5 NLT

There are people who would argue that your 9 to 5 is not as significant as how you serve God through spiritual activities.

Your 9 to 5 is just there to put food on the table. Other spiritual activities that you do have more eternal value.

This means you should treat your spiritual engagements with more care than your career.

If this were true, should we then say that Moses, because he was a messenger of God, was more important than Bezalel? Was Bezalel’s role as a master craftsman, filled with the Spirit of God, of no eternal value?

In our society, to serve God is to be a worker in a Church, have a Ministry and in some cases, volunteer for a good social cause through a charity organisation.

I find this school of thought disturbing. In 2010, within the premises of my campus fellowship, I received the calling to build mastery in digital sales.

I didn’t respond to an altar call or have oil poured on my head. I just heard God’s voice as clear as day. The conviction I have for my career is just as strong as what I have for marriage and my service in the Church.

This is why whenever I hear people, especially spiritual leaders, enthusiastically support this school of thought, I don’t argue. I dismiss the conversation until an appointed time because my personal encounter and the scripture tell me otherwise.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…” Colossians 3:23 NKJV

If you must serve your earthly masters at work as to the Lord, then why should it be given less priority?

I understand that there are those who primarily and solely grow in a career for material reasons, but we can’t make a general statement just because of this subset of people.

If you must pursue something passionately and fulfil your purpose, there is no dedicated time for it. You must pursue that personal mission every second of your life. It’s not a side hustle but your life’s work. And the good thing is you can do this working for someone else or for yourself or both.

This is why it’s important to grow in a career that’s aligned with what you discern to be the reason you exist. Your strengths, talents, interests, gifts and personality are vital ingredients that define your mission.

You may not have heard His still small voice or had a prophet tell you what your life’s mission should be, but a simple prayer, personal assessments and self-reflection can put you in the right direction. Yes, personal assessments work. You won’t figure out the end, but you’ll know the next step to take.

All your activities at work, in church or in your favourite charity organisation, should align in a particular direction. That’s the sweet spot of fulfilment, where every breath, sweat and sleepless night takes you closer to marking your earthly assignment as done.

Your work is your calling. Adjust where you need to, realign your priorities and don’t let anyone belittle your career.