The Fallacy of Full-Time Christian Work

Crosswalk Daily Email 'Today God Is First' Devotion | Os Hillman

[WhatNot]

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

"I didn't know you were in full-time Christian work," said my close friend as we were driving. "I didn't realize that," she went on. I responded, "Every person who has followed the will of God in their life is in full-time Christian work." God calls some to the mission field, others to be accountants, and others to be advertising executives, and still others to be construction workers. God never made a distinction between sacred and secular. In fact, the Hebrew word avodah is the root word having the same meaning of "work" and "worship." God sees our work as worship.

We have incorrectly elevated the roll of the Christian worker to be more holy and committed than the person who is serving in a more secular environment. Yet the call to the secular marketplace is as important as any other calling. God has to have His people in every sphere of life. Otherwise, many would never come to know Him because they would be separated from society.

I learned this lesson personally when I sought to go into "full-time" service as a pastor in my late twenties, only to have God thrust me back into the business world unwillingly. This turned out to be the best thing He could have done for me, because it was never His will for me to be a pastor. He knew I was more suited for the marketplace.

We are all in missions. Some are called to foreign lands. Some are called to the jungles of the marketplace. Wherever you are called, serve the Lord in that place. Let Him demonstrate His power through your life so that others might experience Him through you today and see your vocation as worship to His glory.

[WhatNot]

Even though proper fear of God is healthy, it is hard to replace such holy
fear for the kind of fear (or even anger) you have for an earthly father or other authority figure.
The only way to make and maintain the switch is to get to know God the Father.
Once you see and experience God as He really is, your attitude will change.
You will be changed in all areas of your life from the inside out.
Therefore, purpose to get to know God.
Spend regular time talking to Him with openness and honesty.
Read His Word (the Bible). He gave it to you so that you could get to truly know Him.
In fact, the Scriptures are active and alive, capable of penetrating and changing your heart (Hebrews 4:12).
In addition, worship and praise the Lord with passion. He is due your praise.
Moreover, worshiping God the Father frees your heart and opens a direct link to Him.
You will be transformed by mutual love. The walls will start to tumble.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Great post and excellent insights. Thank you.

[jer33 3]

We are all in missions. Some are called to foreign lands. Some are called to the jungles of the marketplace. Wherever you are called, serve the Lord in that place. Let Him demonstrate His power through your life so that others might experience Him through you today and see your vocation as worship to His glory.

Life is full of opportunities in our everyday lives. Even a trip to the grocery store can be ministry... if we are sensitive to the needs of those we encounter.

[kingpins9]

Witnessing and soul winning are more important. It has been abandoned in modern Christianity. Hence the state of America today. Fewer Christians witnessing = more greed, murder, etc...

[Between the Lines]

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

It is hard to shine for the whole world if we only shine on Sundays at church.

[jer33 3]

***Witnessing and soul winning are more important.***

I agree. Opportunities vary and we should be ready always to share the reason for our hope. And given what is happening on the world scene, we should have a great sense of urgency.

[WhatNot]

Thanks for your comments, and for sharing the wisdom God has given you. May the Lord bless you and yours, in the new year!