Tag: build your career

Pathways

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As you are new in your career or about to begin one, I pray that it’s more exciting for you than stressful. Take comfort in knowing that God made you for a purpose. He gave us unique personalities and abilities that help guide our career paths. My hope for you is that your choices are based on this:

  • Of course, what interests you or what you’re passionate about
  • Your natural talent or skills that come easily for you
  • But also by where you are needed most. What breaks your heart? Working to remedy a need in your world could be the most satisfying career path of all.

Just remember that you are a work in progress and you will continue to mature, learn and experience new things for the rest of your life. So, your career path may take more than one turn along the way.

Some of the best career advice I’ve ever received is this: “Do what you love and the money will come.” If we love what we do and believe we are using our God-given talents for His purpose, God will provide for us. He is devoted to your growth for His good purposes. The Bible tells us that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Pray: Lord, I trust you to guide me; to open doors for me in your perfect timing and to show me my next steps according to Your will. Amen.

photo: The grounds at Ashford Castle; Cong, Ireland

On Work

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I’m so proud of each of you for your work ethic. Not everyone has it, but those who do, stand out. Since we’ll spend a huge portion of our lives working and building a career, the Bible offers this advice in Colossians 3:23-24:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Simply put, it’s doing your job to the best of your ability—when your work is seen and unseen.

In my over 40 years in the workforce, I’ve had several bosses. And, I’ve been a boss for the last 20 years. Here’s three things I think are valued, appreciated and Christ-like:

Be accountable for the work you do. If you make a mistake, own it. Be open and attentive to advice and instruction. This is the essence of humility and great leaders have it.

Be solution-driven. Almost anyone can point out a problem and take direction; but not everyone will consider options and have a recommended solution. Busy bosses get decision fatigue and even CEOs of major companies want to be told what to do sometimes.

Be a team. In addition to your work, try to spot and do something that makes someone else’s job a little easier. You’re likely to gain more respect, expertise and job satisfaction in the process.