Work is a big part of our lives. Often, our work is intricately intertwined with our spiritual journey. It’s all connected. As Christians, our aim must be to do work where we get to use and develop the gifts that He has given us. This is not always the case, however. Work is a journey, and it cannot be approached as an isolated aspect of our lives. Instead, we want to approach our work through a spiritual lens, and take every care to God in prayer. As we do this and trust Him, He may guide us to another job. When He does, we want to do it right. If you are changing jobs, or desiring to change jobs, this read is for you. Consider these 5 tips.
Changing jobs? Do it right. Consider these 5 tips.
1. Have an active prayer life.
Any change, including a job change, will require us to have an active prayer life. Having an active prayer life allows us to fully express ourselves, in a safe space. When encountering challenges on the job, most people talk about it on the job, not realizing the destruction that this causes.
When experiencing challenges on the job, don’t dump them into the work environment; instead, take it to God in prayer.
This not only protects the work environment, but it also opens you up to a better perspective- God’s perspective. No work environment is perfect, but think of the damage caused when everyone resorts to sharing about their struggles- at work. It becomes quite messy and everyone’s vision gets cloudy because the atmosphere is filled with venting and complaining.
When we are challenged, we must aim to rise above our challenges, protect the work environment, and seek a better response. I can think of no better way to cover all these bases outside of prayer.
2. Reflect.
God uses everything to grow us. Growth occurs by challenges. In order to properly view and respond to the challenges that come our way, we must reflect. Reflection allows us to look within to consider what the challenges are provoking within us, and not only that, reflection allows us to see how God is using the challenges to shape us!
Reflection allows us to see beyond our first, emotional response.
Reflection nurtures humility and allows us to see that the problem is not with everything and everyone else. Reflection allows us to see our own growth opportunities.
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:”
– Romans 5:3-4
When we reflect, we want to do so in the light of God’s truth. Challenges have a way of refining us, humbling us, and maturing us. I’m reminded of Romans 8:28:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
3. Yield.
It’s easy to automatically resort to changing jobs when challenged, but that can’t be our go-to response. We don’t want to develop a run response when challenges come our way. When challenged on the job, instead of running or fighting back, which is often our response; I encourage you to yield.
Don’t yield to people; yield to God.
God has placed you there for a reason. It’s often two-fold. There are things that you are bringing to the work environment, to others; and there are also things that you are gaining from your job. Don’t abort the process prematurely. Hang in there even when it’s hard. Allow God to crucify your flesh when you feel persecuted, isolated, or alienated. It is a good work that He is performing on you in these adverse circumstances.
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
– Psalm 119:71
4. Obey.
When you are considering changing jobs, or God brings an opportunity your way; obey. Don’t check out from your current job prematurely. Work hard until the end. Hold yourself accountable to God’s Word, no matter what’s going on around you.
Don’t settle or stoop down to the standards in the environment; instead, always aim to obey God’s Word.
Obedience brings blessings. Obedience keeps your conscience clear. Obedience honors God. Also, we must never forget that we have an enemy who constantly aims to get us to disobey. Consider Satan in the garden with Eve. Disobedience brings consequences. Often, to our very own souls. Disobedience/sin darkens our mindset, and begins to desensitize us to the disastrous effects of sin in our lives.
Even when it’s hard, obey.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
– Joshua 1:8
5. Walk in the Spirit.
If God blesses you with a new job, walk in the Spirit. Leave your current one the right way- humbly. Don’t allow pride to enter into God’s work. Continue to trust Him and yield to Him and His way. We don’t just yield to Him when things are hard, we also yield to Him when He does good things for us! We recognize and acknowledge his sovereignty in all seasons and circumstances that we face, and we bow to Him.
When God promotes and blesses us, we have a responsibility. We have a responsibility to respond well, and the proper response is humility, gratitude, and continued obedience. We can’t make the mistake of feeling prideful or entitled. No, instead, we ought to feel grateful and understand that to whom much is given, much is required [Luke 12:48]. This understanding will motivate us to stay in step with Him, even more so.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
– Micah 6:8
When I look back over my work history, I am incredibly thankful. God has provided for me and my family through various positions. Each job met me where I was, and blessed me with unique opportunities to grow that led to the next step in work and in Him. Again, our work journey and our spiritual journey are intricately connected. Promotions require greater dependence upon the One who brought you there. For we know that it is God who promotes [Psalm 75:6-7].
If you are changing jobs, or considering changing jobs, I pray that these 5 tips will help you to do so graciously!
With love & sincerity,
