Work or Ministry?
Are they Separate?
I want to dedicate my life to Christ and I would like to do Christian work. But, I can't afford to quit my job to go back to school and work in ministry.
Answer:
Compartmentalizing
I think it's a common mistake to think that there is "Christian" work and "secular" work. We tend to compartmentalize spiritual and secular things.
Secular or Sacred?
However, the Bible doesn't tell us to separate secular work from sacred jobs. Remember that even the Apostle Paul was a tentmaker by trade. As he could he supported himself with his work while he also worked as an evangelist. (I'll bet he was an "evangelist" at "work," too).
Serving Christ in Everything
In fact, Paul said Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (Colossians 3:23-24, NASB).
Innate Traits
God created us with abilities to do and enjoy many things. For example, some of us are physical creatures who enjoy sports. This is an innate trait. If you don't believe it just watch your dogs and cats play ball or tag. It's almost as if they were "preprogrammed" to "play." But, so are we!
Skilled Artisans
God created us with abilities to love music, to enjoy learning how to play instruments, to be artists or people who enjoy paintings, sculpture, pottery making, to enjoy becoming authors, readers or teachers, or those skilled in business and trade.
All of these traits God put within us are not "secular" as opposed to "spiritual." All of these skills are spiritual in the sense that God created us to be multifaceted beings.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Col. 3:17).
With this in mind you can now go and do everything you do for Christ alone.
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