Most research shows that the average person will spend 90,000 hours at their job in their lifetime. If someone is willing to spend that much time at their place of employment, then they should take it seriously. As a Christian, this is even more important. To glorify God in our jobs is something that we should strive to do.
Paul told the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NLT). This verse can also apply to our jobs. The problem is that most Followers of Christ have an issue with misunderstanding the sacred and the secular. They compartmentalize the sacred from the secular instead of having a holistic approach where the secular and sacred live together. Yet our work can be a sacred place of ministry.
Every job can glorify God, but some jobs lean towards having more opportunities to minister to people. Some jobs are not confined to the walls of a church and will give someone more opportunity and influence in people’s lives with unique platforms.
So, let’s look at 7 non-ministry jobs that glorify God through unique platforms:
1. Teacher
Teachers spend a vast amount of time with their students over a semester and year. They also influence the thoughts and beliefs of their students and to build relationships. Teachers get to know students in a personal manner. There will be days the student is visibly struggling or has an issue. The teacher will have the opportunity to minister to that student.
Even though there are tighter regulations on the sharing of personal faith, the teacher can still allude to or have materials on their desk that represent their faith.
Many students talk about the role a teacher played in their life during a difficult time or season. They laud them for helping them formulate certain belief patterns, teaching something new, or defeating a negative belief pattern. This is an excellent opportunity for personal, one on one ministry or to help holistically influence students.
2. Professional Counselor
Professional counselors and psychologists are directly invited into a person’s most intimate parts of their life, usually during very difficult times. The client needs intervention and help, so they are more open to being influenced by the counselor. A godly counselor will be able to use their influence to minister to someone by meeting their need and possibly opening a door for the client to explore the benefits of faith. This client would more than likely be closed off to a pastor or someone randomly sharing the Gospel on the street.
Because of this cathartic moment the client is more open to hearing solutions they have never explored before. Also, when a counselor can help someone on this level the client opens their heart more. This is why a professional counselor should be open to seeing clients that are not of the same faith to have open doors for the Gospel.
3. Entrepreneur/Business Owner
A business owner (or entrepreneur) can minister to their employees. Owning a business allows hiring people who normally wouldn’t get an opportunity or that particular opportunity. This again gives the needed ingredient of influence. An employee may be more open to listening to their boss’s opinions or thoughts on faith due to the influence that is exhibited.
4. Politician
Politicians are known in our culture for being people who lie and lack integrity. Our society has lost its fundamental belief that a politician cares about them and what is best for them. Because of these negative associations with politicians, a Follower of Christ has an opportunity to go against the flow and show people the love, mercy, and justice of Christ. Christian politicians can help be advocates for people while knowing that their stances and views will not be liked by all people.
Even with political disagreements, there can still be a politician who is gracious in dispute and godly in their approach to helping people. A Christ-centered politician who exhibits humility, grace, and truth will attract those who may disagree with their policies. This may result in people being more open to the message of the Gospel.
5. Financial Advisor
Jesus spoke about money more than heaven. Money is a magnifier of the heart. Becoming a financial advisor can help people see their money from an eternal perspective, leveraging it for the sake of the Gospel and helping them be wise with their money. If someone trusts your advice on money, they will probably be open to hearing about your faith.
6. Lawyers and Law Enforcement officers
Our society needs good, godly laws and enforcers to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. With so much media attention given to the negative side of the law, this would be a wonderful opportunity for someone to shine the light of Christ by practicing law with grace and truth.
7. Journalist
Most people are hungry for a news outlet or any resource that would be truthful without an agenda. If someone is influenced by a journalist for their humility and non-biased approach, this may also give an open door for the Gospel.
These are just a few jobs that people can glorify God with. The truth is that all jobs can be used by God to further His Kingdom. The Lord is the one who gives desires for careers, and He ultimately is the One who, in His Providence, connects with a job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian job seekers might ask:
1. How can a teacher reflect their faith in the classroom?
Teachers can build relationships with students, helping them through difficult times and offering support, even without explicitly sharing their faith. Their actions, integrity, and influence leave lasting impressions.
2. Why is financial advising considered a job that can glorify God?
Financial advisors help others manage money with wisdom, often guiding clients toward viewing their resources from a biblical, eternal perspective, and creating open opportunities to discuss faith.
3. How can a journalist glorify God through their work?
Journalists who pursue truth with integrity and humility provide a platform for unbiased reporting, which can lead others to respect their perspective and potentially open doors for sharing the Gospel.
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