4 Reasons Why It’s OK to Enjoy Having a Professional Job: Reason 2

July 2, 2014July 21, 2014Leave a comment

Last time we discussed how even the Apostle Paul had a day job. And all the bi-vocationals (is that a word?–it is now:) ) rejoiced. Today we are taking a quick look at one of the most valid, yet under rated reasons to enjoy your day job. It’s a little thing called the Great Commission.

Reason 2: Where light is absent, darkness abounds.

If all believers were in “full time” church ministry, can you imagine how dark the workplace would be? Jesus came into our world as a great Light and the darkness could not overcome it (John 1:5). We are called to shine like stars in the midst (or in the middle of) a dark and perverse generation (Phil 2:15).

That would not happen if we all were permanent fixtures within the four walls of the church.

I’ve worked in my fair share of corporate environments. Everything from those with a ministerial focus to those who were simply looking to make a buck. In some of those instances, I was the only believer. Those were the places that my ministry as a Christian and not a “leader” really made a difference. Burn brightly my friends, and don’t ever feel like you need to apologize for enjoying an outlet of being Jesus’s hands and feed. We are in a blessed position, equipping the saints and lighting up the night.

You don’t have to take my word for it. We’ll take a look at how Jesus viewed work in point 3.

The “More” Predicament (Part 1)

June 24, 2014May 30, 2020Leave a comment

We live in a world medicated by “more”.

Whether it’s money, entertainment or even spirituality, we’re people naturally drawn to the supplemental joys in life.

I mean, why order a measly little quarter-pounder when you can sink your teeth into a beefy triple-patty thickburger? Why drive one car when you can sport two sets of hot wheels? And why settle on one job exercising a fraction of God-given skillet, when you can work multiple jobs and increase income utilizing more?

No-brainers, right? Pursue the excess and reap the fulfillment.

But let’s get serious: is this American dream mumbo-jumbo all it’s cracked up to be? Is more always better? Or is less sometimes more?

Truth is: In today’s culture, we’re all hustlers. In fact, you have to work hard not to be busy. Why? Because our capacity to engage multiple ambitions is fueling our need for purpose at an all-time high.

Seriously…has anyone noticed the surge in people pursuing multiple careers…and how this move is being driven by possibility more than necessity? It’s like we’ve replaced “living life to the fullest” with “living life to our fullest”.

Now, don’t get me wrong…I get how wearing multiple occupational hats is sexy. I mean who wouldn’t want to boost a résumé with an extra shot of creativity, diversity and versatility. But it’s this thirst for relevance that not only erodes unity in community, but also numbs us to what is of utmost importance.

At some point, we need to wake up, smell the roses…and realize a high-octane culture does not entitle us to chase every single dream that flutters onto our radar.

So later on, we’ll continue this series with by discussing ways pastors and ministers can strategically navigate through all the cultural hullabaloo to rightfully lead the church down God’s intended path.

Stay tuned…

4 Reasons Why It ‘s OK to Enjoy Having a Professional Job: Reason 1

June 21, 2014July 21, 2014Leave a comment

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In a world where the ability to have a full time focus is a luxury many seek, it can be difficult to reconcile the side of you that enjoys being in a secular work place. The good news is, you don’t need to reconcile…it is perfectly biblical, and here is why!

Reason 1

Paul had a day job. That’s right! Mr. I Wrote Almost One-Third of the New Testament was bi-vocational!

In Acts 18, we see working wasn’t just something he did before he launched his ministry. Paul was saved and began ministering in Acts 9. Barnabas and Saul were designated by the Holy Spirit for missionary work in Acts 13 and were planting churches in Acts 14. Paul’s ministry was in full swing.

Finally, in Acts 18, while he is planting the church in Corinth (the only church to get 2 letters), he is working as a Tent maker. Interestingly enough, all Jewish teachers of the law in the first century had a “trade”. Reading through Acts, Paul was proud that he lived by his work. You should be too. I can’t help but wonder why Paul, one of the most influential ministers in the history of the church chose to work?

Maybe he saw the market place as a mission field in and of itself, which brings us to our second reason…Whatever in Greek means…Whatever…