By Rachel Loe, June 24, 2024

How do we plan for our career and do it so that we are not putting our hope in our vocation, or our own abilities, but in our Lord, who created us for such a work? Since such a significant part of our lives are spent in our workplaces, naturally, career planning is important. As Chrstians, how should we consider career planning?

Recognize that God gives talents: 

We are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), but He made us all unique and for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 ESV says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” When considering your career or job aspirations, it is good to recognize that God gave you specific talents that would benefit the kingdom. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5 NIV). The people God has placed in the community around us can recognize our gifts even if we can’t, so utilize their feedback. 

Recognize God’s authority over those talents:

Once you find a passion or recognize your talent, it is easy to rely on that alone. Remember who first gave them to you (Psalm 39:13-14). As a human race, we tend towards pride, especially when we recognize our talents. Daily, remember that you did not muster up that talent or ability on your own, but that every good gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that nothing was given us out of our own deservedness, but out of the grace and mercy that the Lord shows us. 

Recognize God’s Sovereignty over the course of our lives:

When you know how God has gifted you, and you recognize that it is not your own doing, the next step is trusting that the Lord will use you in your job, career, and life in such a way that will bring Him glory. No matter if it is in our own timing or not. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This is a comfort to the believer! When we make a plan that doesn’t go as we thought it would, we rest in the knowledge that His plans are greater. This does not mean do not make plans for the future. The book of Proverbs is filled with common sense natural laws that God has put forth and includes working towards goals. But it does mean to hold your own plans with open hands, trusting the Lord. 

Recognize that your value comes from your Maker, not your Vocation:

Finally, remember that all of life has been orchestrated by the Father who loves us dearly (Jeremiah 29:11). He has set your value whether you are the CEO of a company or the intern, and that value is the precious blood of the Son, shed for you that you might be in communion with God. Jesus is the only person who has done their job perfectly and completely. 

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:6-11 ESV).