iWork4Him PowerThought

What's the difference between a career and a vocation? Career is defined as an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life with opportunities for progress. A VOCATION, on the other hand, is defined as a person's main occupation, especially regarded as particularly worthy and requiring great dedication. WOW. That's a big difference. We heard recently that as a Christ-follower, we should seek to have a VOCATION vs. a Career. Because having a vocation keeps us focused on building the Kingdom and living and working FOR the Kingdom of God. Which one do YOU have? What could you do this month, to shift YOUR CAREER into a VOCATION?

In our 2021 book, iWork4Him, I wrote a chapter about the four lies we've swallowed that shape how we live out our faith at work – some of which I personally believed for many years. Over the last week, we have touched on each of these lies, and all of them have one thing in common: they strangle our faith. When we relegate Jesus to one day a week, we cut the world off from what it needs most: hope. Every single person you encounter at work desperately needs the gospel - it's literally a matter of life and death! God has placed you right where you are so that you can be his messenger of mercy and truth. Matthew 5 says, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven!" Don't let the lies of the enemy keep your faith contained – go out and shine!

In our 2021 book, iWork4Him, Jim wrote a chapter about the lies we've swallowed that shape how we live out our faith at work. The fourth lie he wrote about was that the American Dream is biblical truth for Christians. Because the truth is, it's not. And more than that, it's not guaranteed! Material things will never bring true happiness or fulfillment and they should never be our end goal. After all, you can't take it with you! And when we focus on giving just 10% back to God and keeping 90% for ourselves, we can quickly forget that EVERYTHING belongs to God! What would happen if all the Christ-followers in America began to pursue Jesus instead of the American Dream? What would happen if you submitted your dreams and desires to the God who gives all good things?

In our 2021 book, iWork4Him, I wrote a chapter about the lies we've swallowed that shape how we live out our faith at work – some of which I personally believed for many years. This third lie, I believed until I was 40! The lie was that you are a second-tier citizen in the Kingdom of God if you aren't s pastor or missionary. That somehow your life has less impact for God's glory if you aren't in traditional ministry. But here is the thing: The Kingdom of God doesn't have a ranking system. Every single person has a calling and a purpose to share the gospel – and you are called to share it right where you are! So if you have been looking for your place on the mission field, what about your workplace? It is filled with people who need the saving love of Christ!

In our 2021 book, iWork4Him, Jim wrote a chapter about the lies we've swallowed that shape how we live out our faith at work. The second lie he wrote about was that you should keep your faith at home because of the separation of church and state. This is one I hear all the time, but the truth is that when Thomas Jefferson wrote about this separation in 1802 it was intended to help protect the church from the state, not the state from the church. Freedom of religion is one of the founding principles of our country, and you have every right to bring your core beliefs with you to work! In fact, when you do, everyone around you should benefit from your relationship with Christ! Are you bringing Jesus with you to work or leaving Him at home?

In our 2021 book, iWork4Him, I wrote a chapter about the lies we've swallowed that shape how we live out our faith at work – some of which I personally believed for many years. The first lie I wrote about was that work is work and church is church. They have nothing to do with each other. When we live under this lie, we start to believe that living a life of faith at work will keep us from achieving success or accomplishing all we set out to do in our career. But this couldn't be further from the truth! When we bring our faith into our work, everything about our lives gets richer because we are investing in what matters ETERNALLY. Have you fallen into the lie that living with no compromises means settling for less in life? Kick this falsehood to the curb and invite Jesus into the workplace with you this week!

Let's be honest – we're all guilty of gossip at one time or another. This sneaky little sin often creeps in as grumbling, complaining, ranting, or venting- especially if we've had a hard day at work. Although gossip may seem small, but the truth is, it's not. I read an article by Erik Raymond the other day where he writes, "Gossip is the Devil's Ponzi scheme to get rich quickly on disunity." And guess what? His scheme works! Gossip hurts the speaker, the hearer, and the one being spoken about. It throws wood on the fire of division. Proverbs 26:20 says, "Without wood, a fire will go out, and without gossip, quarreling will stop." Don't fall into the Devil's scheme! Before you open your mouth at work today, consider if your words are throwing wood or water on the fire of disunity.

What is the number one goal of most businesses? I'll give you a hint: it starts with a "P" and it ends with "-ofit." That's right, the marketplace is built on profit - on financial gain. But God calls us to a different kind of business: the business of people. Kingdom minded businesses are founded not on a bottom line, but on a bottomless faith. They are all about ETERNAL profit. In Matthew 16:26 Jesus said, "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" You are a one of kind commodity – and guess what? So are your bosses, employees, coworkers, and clients! Start investing in the people around you because when you share your faith, you reap a heavenly profit that can never be taken away!

We recently talked with Brenda Long, the Former Director of Infrastructure Operations at Food for the Hungry, about what it takes to end an issue as large as global poverty – her answer: partnership and cooperation. When we face enormous tasks - like ending hunger or bringing the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation - we must remember that we are simply a part of the solution, not the whole thing. None of us can do it alone! We each have a small part to play. Luke 6:10 says, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large things." So, as God entrusts you with small opportunities to partner with him and other believers for His Kingdom's glory, how will you respond? Remember, you are a part of Jesus's missions team in the workforce!

You've probably heard the phrase, "actions speak louder than words." And as true as that may be, our words are still a vital part of our testimony! What we say and how we say it can either build up the people around us or tear them down; draw them to Christ or push them away. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." What kind of words are coming out of your mouth at work? Do you swear? Do you gossip? Do you complain? Do you make sarcastic jokes? Or do you inspire, compliment, and motivate the people around you? I want to challenge you to add three positive and uplifting comments into your workplace conversation each day this week and see what kind of response you get!