23 Nov Biblical Strategies for Career

Posted at 15:49h in Be Strategic in Academics and Career by

I. Biblical Basis for Work

1.Designed to Work:  Many people misconceive the theology of work, mistakenly believing it to be solely a consequence of the fall. However, work was part of God’s design for humanity even before the fall. As our Creator works, we too are called to work, reflecting His nature as beings made in His image. “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Gen 2:15).

2.God provides us with unique skills, gifts and talents, and calls us to specific roles and activities: Although the roles may seem to differ in importance, all callings from God are equal, with none considered second-class. We will prove worthy of His calling if we remain devoted to our relationship with Him and continually seek His guidance (Eph 4:11; Mt 25:14-30).

3. Quality, character, and ethics are foundational for our work: We are responsible not only for the quality of our work, but also for our faithfulness to God in the way we pursue that work, and for our own good character while working. We will be judged and rewarded accordingly (Mt 25:21; Col 3:23-24)

4. Our work is yoked with Christ:We should work as if yoked to Jesus Christ. Our work, and the decisions we make, should be based on these principles: aligned with God’s moral standards, always concerned with the fair treatment of others and with a clear expression of Christ’s love for all people (2 Cor 6:14-15).

5. God’s work multiplies through relationships in fellowship:We need to be in relationship with other followers of Christ to provide support and accountability. We should look for mentors and mentor others (1 Tim 3:15; 1 Cor 12:27).

II. God’s Guidance in Our Work

The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all our endeavors. It reassures us that when we trust in the Lord, He will direct our paths. Let’s remember that our careers should be aligned with God’s will, allowing Him to lead us towards fulfilling our purpose. By submitting our plans to Him, we not only gain direction but also the assurance that our journey is not taken alone (Pro 3:5-6; Js 1:5).

1.Hard Work and Diligence: Being diligent in our careers is another biblical principle that guides us toward success. Our efforts, backed by a strong work ethic, reflect our faith and can serve as a testimony to others. Let’s commit to working hard, knowing that our work/toil can produce fruitful results in our lives and the lives of those we touch (Col 3:23; Pro 14:23).

2.Integrity and Ethics: The Bible encourages us to act with honesty, fairness, and ethical standards. Our actions in the workplace reflect our character and can impact our witness for Christ when we choose to uphold integrity. Let’s strive to be professionals who embody integrity, knowing it will establish our reputation in our fields (Pro 10:9; Col 3:24).

3.Perseverance in Challenges: In our pursuit of career success, we will inevitably face challenges and setbacks. The Bible reminds us that perseverance is vital during tough times.  Our struggles can serve as valuable lessons that build resilience and character. Let’s not shy away from adversity but embrace it, knowing that through persistence and faith, we can emerge stronger and closer to our goals. Remember, every setback may be setting us up for a divine comeback! (Gal 6:9, Rom 5:3-4).

III. Process of Working:

  1. Trusting God’s Plan for Our Work: It’s natural to feel anxious about making the right career choices. The Bible reminds us that God has a plan for each of us. Trusting in His plan means acknowledging He knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t see the bigger picture (Rom 8:28; Pro 16:3).
  2. Being Proactive – Choosing to Act: While trusting God is crucial, He also calls us to be proactive. The Bible encourages us to take initiative, work diligently, and seize opportunities that align with His will (Col 3:23-24; Pro 21:5).
  3. Use Your Gifts and Talents: God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents. Your career is a significant way to use these gifts to serve others and bring glory to God (1 Pet 4:10; Rom 12:6-8).
  4. Serve Others: The Bible teaches that our work should embody love and service, reflecting Christ’s love for us (Mk 10:45; Phil 2:3-4).
  5. Seek Counsel: Career decisions are often complex, and seeking wise counsel is crucial. The Bible encourages us to seek advice from others, particularly those who are spiritually mature and experienced (Pro 15:22).
  6. Dealing with Career Challenges: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in any career. The Bible offers wisdom on persevering through difficulties and trusting that God is working all things for our good (Js 1:2-4).
  7. Stand as a Witness for God: Your career is a powerful platform to stand as a witness to God’s love and truth. Living out your faith in the workplace can influence others and attract them towards God (Mt 5:16; I Pet 3:15).

IV. Personality of Excelling in Work (Joseph: Gen 37-50):

  1. Humility: The most dominating character of our Lord, shown to the world (Mt 11:29).
  2. Purity: Joseph protected himself from all sorts of impurity.
  3. Integrity: Joseph was a man of integrity. When He was given a task by his father/ Potiphar/ Prison Warden/ Pharaoh, he performed it sincerely and faithfully. If it is entrusted to Joseph, it shall be done. Jesus Himself also fulfilled what was entrusted to Him.
  4. Industry: Do it with all your might (Eccl 9:10). Only in the dictionary success comes before work.
  5. Generosity: Giving is the best way of living (Mk 10:28-31; Mal 3:10).

V. Essential for Success in Work:

  1. Aim (Vision): What to do
  2. 2. Action (Mission): How to do
  3. Aptitude: Mind to do
  4. Attitude: Personality
  5. Altitude: Ultimate goal to do and reach

It is not the APTITUDE, but ATTITUDE that decides the ALTITUDE in work!

VI. Process of Excellence in Work (Paul: Phil 3:14):

  1. Set a Goal: Too many Goals are Goal mall (Golmaal)
  2. Say no to Others: Sometimes we succeed by not doing the un-necessary
  3. Satisfy Not: Always have high ambitions till you break all your own records
  4. Strain is involved: Only in the Dictionary does success come before work
  5. Systematic Life: There is no achievement without discipline

VII. Goal Setting in Work – SMART :

  1. Specific, 2. Measurable, 3. Attainable, 4. Realistic, 5. Tangible/Timely

VIII. SWOT/SWOC -Analysis in Work:

SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats/Challenges. By definition: Strengths (S) and Weaknesses (W) are internal factors over which you have some measure of control. Also, by definition, Opportunities (O) and Threats (T) or challenges (C) are external factors over which you have essentially no control.

  1. Don’t think about balance. Think of quality: The amount of time you spend with work can be more than the amount of time you have with your family but the quality of the time matters. 
  2. Wherever you are, be fully there: It’s easy to be present physically, and absent mentally. Don’t be with your family while thinking about your work, just like you shouldn’t be at work only thinking about your family. Devote yourself to wherever you are in the moment, fully present, and fully engaged with the people around you.
  3.  Work at your family like you work at work: If most of us worked at work like we work on our family, we would be fired. Take a few minutes each week to plan your family time. Plan a project or two to do with your kids. Your job isn’t done when you get home. When you get home from work, you are clocking into your second job as a husband or wife and a father or mother if you have kids.
  4. Think seasons, not hours: Not every season is the same. In ministry, there are some seasons that you know will absolutely be busier than others. Christmas and Easter are two of them. In those seasons, your family needs to know that you will be busier.
  5. Integrate family and ministry when you can: Bring your family with you when you can. Help them see the mission and be partners with them in the ministry. 
  6. Choose your family first: Put your family first. Your family will see the priority that you place on them and feel valued.
  7. Plan an annual family calendar: Husband and wife should sync up calendars on their phones so they can always see what they have planned. This will be a huge help for them.
  8. Train your replacement: You need to delegate authority and responsibility to others. If you aren’t taking vacations because you don’t have anyone else who can do your job, consider this a giant red flag and a flashing red light that you are heading for disaster.
  9. Get rid of time suckers: Your time is precious and you don’t have much to waste. The problem is that most of us do waste time when we are finally at home with the family.
  10. Set workday deadlines: Many work late to make up for their inefficient use of time. They work less in more time when the best employees work more in less time. More hours doesn’t always equal more work. Get more done in less time, so you have more time for family.

 

Conclusion :

Glorifying God Through Our Work, Loving People Through Our Work and Making a Difference Through Our Work!

Dr. John Paul Pulipati, B.E, M.E, Ph.D. Principal at Ellenki College
of Engineering & Technology, Hyderabad, TS, is an author of several
textbooks on ECE widely used in colleges across India and abroad.
He was a Bapatla EU student (1981-86). He is married to Dr. Kezia,
who is also an associate professor. They are active EGF members at
Hyderabad. They are blessed with son Dr. Daniel Paul and daughter Christiana
Shiny who are working in USA. You can reach him at jppulipati@gmail.com

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