The Workplace Disciple
Author Scott Krajca is diligently working on his latest book “The Workplace Disciple: Living Your Faith in a Professional World”. He shares insights into how you can use your day job as a way to practice your faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Below is an excerpt from Chapter 1 - God: CEO.
Devote Your Career and Daily Work to God
When you devote your career and daily work to God, everything else falls into place. By committing your efforts to Him, you invite His blessings and guidance into every facet of your professional life. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the LORD and not for others.” This shift in perspective alleviates the burden of striving for worldly validation and allows us to rest in the assurance of God’s provision.
We live in a world where media, social media, and our peers tell us that success looks like a certain amount of wealth, toys, material gods, position titles, and etc. But if you devote everything you do in the world to God, that all shifts.
I know because I had to go through that shift myself. When I was a young engineer, I looked around me and noticed what others considered to be a successful career and I used that to guide my version of what career happiness should be. I worked hard, tried to please everyone, and took on very challenging assignments. By my late twenties I realized I was miserable.
It took several years to realize I was “doing” my job without God. When I had this realization, I fully let God into my heart and my mind. Everything shifted for me. I went from hating my job to being able to tolerate it (more on that later), and then finally loving my career because I worked with God.
Trusting His Vision and Timing
One of the hardest aspects of surrendering career to God is trusting His timing. In our careers, we often feel the pressure to act quickly—to seize opportunities, meet deadlines, or climb the ladder. However, Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Entrust your works to the LORD, and you will succeed.” This commitment requires faith in His vision, even when the path is unclear.
Joseph: Consider Joseph, who was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned before becoming second in command over Egypt. Through years of hardship, Joseph trusted God’s timing. When the moment arrived, he was prepared to fulfill God’s purpose, saving countless lives during a famine. Like Joseph, we must learn to wait on God, trusting that every season—even the challenging ones—is preparing us for His ultimate plan.
Abraham: Abraham’s journey illustrates the importance of trusting God’s promises, even when they seem delayed. God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4), but he waited decades for the birth of Isaac. During this time, Abraham’s faith was tested, but he continued to believe that God’s timing was perfect. His example reminds us that waiting on God often leads to blessings beyond what we can imagine.
David: David’s path to kingship was marked by trust in God’s timing. Although anointed as king in his youth (1 Samuel 16:13), he spent years fleeing from Saul before ascending to the throne. During these trials, David leaned on God for strength and guidance, penning psalms like Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD.” His story teaches us to remain faithful and patient, trusting that God is preparing us for His purpose.
Esther: Queen Esther’s story demonstrates how trusting God’s timing can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Facing a critical moment, Esther prayed and fasted before approaching the king to save her people (Esther 4:16). Her reliance on God gave her courage and wisdom, enabling her to act at just the right time. Her example encourages us to seek God’s guidance in pivotal moments of our careers.
Moses: Moses spent 40 years tending sheep in the wilderness before God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite initial doubts, Moses trusted God’s timing and plan. His faith allowed him to accomplish incredible feats, such as parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21). Moses’ story reminds us that God’s preparation often takes time, but His plans are always perfect.
Jesus: The life of Jesus exemplifies ultimate trust in God’s timing. Throughout His ministry, Jesus often stated that His actions followed God’s plan and timing. For instance, at the wedding in Cana, when Mary asked Him to perform a miracle, Jesus replied, “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). This response showed His commitment to waiting on God’s timing for the revelation of His mission. Ultimately, Jesus surrendered fully to God’s timing in His journey to the cross, praying in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His trust teaches us to align our lives with God’s perfect plan, even when the road is difficult.
These biblical examples highlight the importance of trusting God’s timing and vision, even when the path seems uncertain. By following their examples, we can find peace in God’s faithfulness and be ready to step into His purpose for our lives.
You Are Always Surrounded by God’s Love
Even in the workplace, we are surrounded by God’s love. Jesus Himself experienced this love in tangible ways. During His 40 days in the wilderness, angels came to attend to Him after He resisted the devil’s temptations (Matthew 4:11). Similarly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus prayed in anguish, an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43).
God’s love is not confined to spiritual settings; it permeates every aspect of our lives, including our work. When we feel overwhelmed or isolated in our careers, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s presence and love are constant. Just as He sent angels to support Jesus, He provides His presence and peace to sustain us through the Holy Spirit.