“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 )
This verse makes it clear that we are not saved BY good works, but that we are saved TO DO “good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Certainly, the “good works” include the same works that Jesus did such as preaching and teaching the Word of God. But can one be called to a ministry in a “secular” profession? The answer is definitely “yes!”
Percentage-wise very few of us will be able to work for a church, serve in the mission field, or other “ministry” position, but the reality is that most people are exposed to Christ by those they work with in everyday work situations – we are all ministers and ambassadors of Christ. We don’t need to have an official title to serve Christ – you are already doing it! Start by looking at what Jesus told us to do.
Jesus told us to do the things He did and to teach others about the Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:18-20). His directives are for our benefit and by doing what He told us to do, we will experience the “abundant life” He died to give us (John 10:10). The prophet Isaiah proclaimed the Messiah would be Counselor and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus certainly was the Counselor, who helped people understand their sinful state and proclaimed the need to be reconciled to God through repentance from sin and faith toward God. Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be save or reconciled to God (John 3:17).
No matter what you do for a living, you can teach others about the Kingdom, and you can look for ways to bring peace into peoples lives.
I did some reading about my profession and found some specific verses that further encourage & direct me in my chosen profession as an attorney, which means I act as an advocate and as a counselor.
Jesus as the Advocate:
If we look at what Jesus did and what He is still doing, we see He is an advocate. Jesus defended the woman caught in the act of adultery and He is our advocate before the Father when we sin (I John 2:1). Jesus is our defender against the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). Christians trained in law can be an advocate as Jesus was and is. A lawyer, as an advocate, speaks before a judge on behalf of another person. The lawyer presents the facts and articulates the law to be applied. He refutes the accusations of one attempting to do evil and advocates for the truth. As courtrooms and the whole legal process can be overwhelming, he can be a a spokesperson for one who is unable to speak for themselves, and persuade the court to do justice by correctly applying the law.
Jesus as the Counselor:
Counseling involves helping people “see” the lies they believe that are producing destructive consequences in their lives. Counseling involves speaking the truth in love with the goal of reconciliation, freedom, and restoration. Jesus gave each of us the ministry of reconciliation (II Corinthians 5:19) and if we help people abide in Jesus, they shall know the truth and the truth will make them free (John 8:31-32). Plus, we are commanded to help restore those who have sinned or who are in conflict with others (Galatians 6:1; Matthew 18:15-17).
As an attorney my goal is to avoid, resolve, and help heal conflicts. God has provided me with a tremendous opportunity to be a counselor of reconciliation between parties, as well as being a counselor regarding the law.
CHALLENGE FOR TODAY:
My challenge to you is to look for verses that encourage and direct you in what you do for a living. Post them up in the comments so that others may be encouraged!
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