Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of a "career" as understood in modern terms is not explicitly addressed. However, the Scriptures provide principles and examples that can guide believers in their professional lives and vocations.
Work as a Divine MandateThe Bible begins with the account of creation, where God Himself is depicted as a worker. In
Genesis 2:15 , it is written, "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." This verse indicates that work is part of God's original design for humanity, intended for stewardship and productivity.
Diligence and ExcellenceScripture emphasizes the importance of diligence and excellence in one's work.
Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will be stationed in the presence of kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This highlights the value of skill and dedication, suggesting that such qualities can lead to recognition and advancement.
Work as Service to GodThe New Testament further develops the idea of work as a form of service to God.
Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to view their careers as opportunities to serve Christ, regardless of the nature of their work.
Integrity and HonestyIntegrity and honesty are crucial in any career, as reflected in biblical teachings.
Proverbs 11:1 declares, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This principle underscores the importance of ethical conduct in professional dealings.
Balancing Work and RestThe Bible also addresses the balance between work and rest. The Fourth Commandment, found in
Exodus 20:8-10 , instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This commandment highlights the need for regular rest and spiritual renewal, which is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Vocation and CallingThe concept of vocation, or calling, is significant in understanding a biblical perspective on career.
Ephesians 4:1 urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This suggests that one's career should align with God's calling and purpose for their life, integrating faith and work.
Examples of Biblical FiguresSeveral biblical figures exemplify godly principles in their careers. Joseph, for instance, rose to prominence in Egypt due to his integrity and God-given wisdom (
Genesis 41:39-41). Daniel, too, served faithfully in a foreign government, maintaining his commitment to God while excelling in his duties (
Daniel 6:3-4).
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a detailed blueprint for modern careers, it offers timeless principles that can guide believers in their professional lives. By viewing work as a divine mandate, striving for excellence, maintaining integrity, balancing work and rest, and aligning one's career with God's calling, Christians can honor God in their vocations.
Topical Bible Verses
Exodus 35:2Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whoever does work therein shall be put to death.
Topicalbible.orgJohn 6:27
Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for him has God the Father sealed.
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Ruth 2:12
The LORD recompense your work, and a full reward be given you of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to trust.
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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A race course: the ground run over.
2. (n.) A running; full speed; a rapid course.
3. (n.) General course of action or conduct in life, or in a particular part or calling in life, or in some special undertaking; usually applied to course or conduct which is of a public character; as, Washington's career as a soldier.
4. (n.) The flight of a hawk.
5. (v. i.) To move or run rapidly.
Greek
1408. dromos -- a course, race... a course, race. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: dromos Phonetic
Spelling: (drom'-os) Short Definition: a running, course,
career Definition: a
...4197. poreia -- a journey
... journey, way. From poreuomai; travel (by land); figuratively (plural) proceedings,
ieCareer -- journey(-ing), ways. see GREEK poreuomai....
898. bathmos -- a step, degree
... bathmos Phonetic Spelling: (bath-mos') Short Definition: a step, a stage, a position
Definition: a step (of a stairway); hence: a stage in acareer, a position...
4752. strateia -- a campaign, expedition, hence warfare
... warfare. From strateuomai; military service, ie (figuratively) the apostoliccareer
(as one of hardship and danger) -- warfare. see GREEK strateuomai....
Library
TheCareer of the Antichrist
... TheCareer of the Antichrist.... Thecareer of the Antichrist is divided into two distinct
parts, and there is a clearly defined dividing line between them....
The Revelation andCareer of the Anti-Christ.
... Chapter Nine The Worldward Results of the Redeemer's Return 4. The revelation
andcareer of the Anti-christ. Who is the Anti-christ?...
Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work
... In the midst of Hiscareer He could front His enemies with 'Which of you convinceth
Me of sin?' and no man then, and no man in all the generations that have...
The Preacher as a Christian.
... In the last lecture I spoke of St. Paul as a Man, showing how remarkable were his
endowments and acquirements, and how these told in his apostoliccareer....
The Reign of David.
... Christian civilization. The InspiringCareer of David. The... allowed here.
There are several ways of studying hiscareer. Sometimes...
The Work Awaiting the Worker
... and was aware that it was to be the mission of his life to preach it to the Gentiles;
but he had still to wait a long time before his peculiarcareer commenced...
The Universal Magnet
... But then remember that this same expression of my text occurs at a very much earlier
period of our Lord'scareer, and that if we accept this Gospel of John, at...
God's Sovereignty.
... action. He will let a man wreck hiscareer, that so through the wreckage
the man may see his own failure, and gladly turn to God....
The Reign of Saul.
... Saul the First King. He began hiscareer under the most auspicious circumstances....
In his contest with them Saul had a very successful militarycareer....
Education, Training, Conduct, and Wisdom of the Great John...
... He devoted himself to a prudent course of life and to a severe publiccareer, while
he also used a clear diction, united with brilliance in speech....
Thesaurus
Career (3 Occurrences)... part or calling in life, or in some special undertaking; usually applied to course
or conduct which is of a public character; as, Washington's
career as a
...Judaeus
... philosophy, geometry, poetry, music. Enjoying ample means, he was enabled
to devote hiscareer to scholarship. The Alexandrian Jews...
Great (10383 Occurrences)
... Greeks. As with Frederick the Great, thecareer of Alexander would have been
impossible had his father been other than he was. Philip...
Procurator
... fact, the term is so intimately connected with the sphere of official activity of
the Roman knights that the expressions "procuratorialcareer" and "equestrian...
Philo
... philosophy, geometry, poetry, music. Enjoying ample means, he was enabled
to devote hiscareer to scholarship. The Alexandrian Jews...
Simon (75 Occurrences)
... pe'-ter, si'-mon): 1. Name and EarlyCareer 2. First Appearance in Gospel History
3. Life-Story (1) First Period (2) Second Period 4. Character 5. Writings (1...
Lot (145 Occurrences)
... 28 J). II.Career. 1. First... 30-38). 4. Fourth Period: The fourth period of
Lot'scareer is of uncertain duration. Upon the destruction...
Josephus
... cause with them. The first part of his publiccareer is concerned with
the great struggle that now began. 2. PublicCareer: When...
Isaiah (64 Occurrences)
... the reigns of Uzziah (or Azariah), Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (1:1). Uzziah reigned
fifty-two years (BC 810-759), and Isaiah must have begun hiscareer a few...
Flavius
... cause with them. The first part of his publiccareer is concerned with
the great struggle that now began. 2. PublicCareer: When...
Resources
Can a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian be a model? Is a modeling career something a Christian can consider? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is biblical homemaking? | GotQuestions.orgCareer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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