WISDOM FOR PROSPEROUS CAREER

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” – Proverbs 16:3

The Bible is not silent on God’s WISDOM for PROSPEROUS CAREER: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” (Pro.16:3). Wisdom demands that we “commit” our “works” to the Lord for our plans to be established. This presupposes that we are occupied DOING something and that we have PLANS: “A man’s heart PLANS his way, but the Lord DIRECTS his steps” (v.9). Those who fail to plan have planned to fail! Divine Direction and Guidance do not preclude Prayerful Planning. Career-wise, we must prayerfully plan our ways; then God will direct our steps.

Committing our career plans to God means surrendering them to His Will (Jam. 4:13-15). It means trusting that God will be glorified in our plans: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17). On our career pathway, we’ll find ourselves having to make decisions at certain junctions. We can trust in our heavenly Father’s direction and provision rather than panic like those in the world.

Here are four helpful wisdom nuggets:

Commit to current assignment: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc. 9:10a). We must do our best at what we are responsible for currently. Some people give their least amount of effort when they feel dissatisfied at their career pace or with their superiors. Even when working for and with difficult people, we should always give our best efforts: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (v.7). Ultimately our eyes are on our heavenly Boss for true rewards and His eyes are on us watching our quality of work.

Avoid Anxiety and Negativity: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Mt. 6:34). We must resist worry and anxious thoughts about our future. Career decisions and changes do not simply affect us, but our earthly and spiritual family. In these times of uncertainty Satan will most likely throw the darts of fear and doubt at our minds. Now more than ever, revelation and application of God’s Word becomes pertinent.

Inquire and Prepare for Divine Opportunities: “See, I have set before you an OPEN DOOR, and no one can shut it” (Rev. 3:7-8). We must be sensitive to “see” the “doors” that God opens up for us. He may open up several opportunities for us to inquire about. We must not be discouraged even if some of these do not work out. There may be a purpose in the plan that we don’t understand. If we are willing to trust in God with all our hearts, He will direct us into fulfilment in His perfect timing.

Seek counsel from Mentors: “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance” (Pro. 20:18, NIV). Wisdom walks with humility. We must be ready to seek advice from those in the field of interest that we are drawn towards. It’s vital that we gain insight from a variety of mentors especially those who have experience in the areas we have a strong interest. Their experiences may differ from ours, but there’s still fruit to glean from their journey. As we ask probing questions and seek advice on our concerns, we will grow closer to knowing where we want to be or where we want to avoid.

Flee Greed: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless” (Ecc. 5:10, NIV). We must avoid and ignore the temptation to make money the most important goal. While it’s important to care for our families and for our needs, we must be careful concerning the lure of financial gain and promises. An increased income solves many problems, but it can potentially bring on new ones that we aren’t prepared to deal with.

When we commit our career or vocation to the Lord, we are saying, "Not my will, Father, but yours be done!”