Key Bible Verse: You should continue on as you were when God called you (1 Corinthians 7:20). Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:21-23

Drug dealers and hit men who find Christ obviously must leave their profession, or continue sinning in their faith. But what about store clerks, computer programmers, or marketing directors? Paul says they should remain where they were when God called them.

Why would God care where you work? Because this is exactly where He's called some of us to do ministry. Not all ministry takes place within the four walls of the church. I must understand that it's not that I simply go to work every day as a front to talk about Jesus. My work is where I've been assigned and called.

Certainly there are occasions when a person who comes to faith needs to change a career path. However, this isn't the norm. The norm is figuring out what it looks like to be "salt and light" in the place we've been planted. By remaining in the same job and living out the transformation of meeting Jesus, I begin to demonstrate the irresistible influence of the good news.

I must make sure that my passion for my job doesn't suddenly get put on the back burner. My commitment to excellence and skill should grow when I meet Jesus, delivering a great day's work for a great day's pay.

—Stephen Graves & Thomas Addington in Deep Focus

My Response: Why do I believe God has given me my current assignment?

Adapted from Deep Focus (Jossey-Bass, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to be Your faithful ambassador in the occupation to which You have called me.

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