Bible Verses To Guide Your Career: 8 Lessons From God
C.S. Lewis said that the decision to follow Jesus is the most important decision of our lives. We agree.
However, we rarely consider the second most important decision of our lives - what we do with our careers.
Apart from home, we spend most of our lives at work. Our work can shape our identity, purpose, and behaviors.
Navigating such a big decision about what to do with our career can be tricky. We can turn to God to guide us through our career journeys.
In this post, we'll explore 8 lessons from the Bible that offer career guidance backed by specific Bible verses. Whether you're just starting your career, considering a change, or facing challenges at work, these lessons can help you align your career with God’s will.
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.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
– Romans 8:28
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
– Proverbs 16:3
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
– Jeremiah 29:11
Take action: Sign up for Christian For Impact’s free career consulting calls to discover how you can trust God with your career decisions.
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.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
– Colossians 3:23-24
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
– Proverbs 21:5
One way to take a proactive role in your career can be to seek advice. At Christians For Impact, we provide free mentorship to help Christians take control of their career journey. If you want to use your career to have a positive impact, you can apply for mentorship with us.
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.
Recognizing and developing your talents is essential to honor God's plan for your career.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.
– 1 Peter 4:10
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith...
– Romans 12:6-8
Learn more about how to identify and harness your God-given talents.
4. Serve Others
The Bible teaches that our work should embody love and service, reflecting Christ's love for us.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
– Mark 10:45
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
– Philippians 2:3-4
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
– Ephesians 2:10
A practical way to do 'good works' and serve others is to take a problem-first approach to your career, opening yourself up to the problems God wants you to solve.
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.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
– Proverbs 15:22
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
– James 1:5
Learn more about how to lead a career that helps others and honors your faith: Our best advice on having a high-impact career as a Christian.
6. Networking
Building relationships is key to career growth. Networking is not just about advancing your career. It's also a way to build meaningful connections that support your spiritual and professional life.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
– Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
– Proverbs 27:17
7. 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.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
– Romans 8:28
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
– James 1:2-4
More on this topic: 3 Big Career Uncertainties You Can Trust God With
8. Stand as a Witness of 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 bring glory to God.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
– Peter 3:15
Navigating your career can be challenging, but with guidance from Scripture and trusted advisers, you can align your career journey with God's plan.
If you want to build a career that helps others and honors your faith, sign up for our free career mentoring. Our experts are here to help you build a career that helps others and is personally fulfilling.
