Most prominent Bible characters were not professional religious leaders. They had jobs in what many call the “secular workplace.” For example, Abraham and Jacob were ranchers. Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah were in government service. Even Jesus spent 90 percent of his life living and working in a small business.
A lot of people have the idea that they must be in “full-time Christian work” for their work to have significance to God and his purposes. I must confess, there was a time I bought into this idea. When I was twelve years old I remember telling my Granny I was going to become a missionary when I grew up. At the time, I thought this was the best way to make God happy, and I wanted to please her as well. Since then I have learned this is not true.
This summer, both in Central Asia and back in the States, has taught me a lot about this tiny little word that makes a big difference. Grace. Grace is one of those words that sounds as good as it is. It flows off the lips and just automatically seems to have a comforting quality about it. It is indeed as good as it sounds. Grace is God’s answer to a lost world, an undeserved gift that provides us with salvation and assures us of an eternal relationship with almighty God. No matter how “good” we try to be, we all stand guilty before a holy God, and without grace we have no basis for a relationship with Him. I’ve come to appreciate that God’s grace is free, but it isn’t cheap. Because of His grace, we are motivated toward a holy and pure lifestyle. I’ve learned that I am not to be burdened by my daily performance, but I am to live life in freedom based upon God’s grace.
So what does grace have to be with my mission field? Everything. In Central Asia, God confirmed in my heart that he wanted me to go into the mission field full-time. He also convicted me of the performance trap I was living in. To be a full-time missionary doesn’t get me any closer to God. Full-time missionaries still stand guilty before a holy God. It is only through his grace that missionaries, and all believers, have a relationship with him. No matter what our job title is. We all deserve God’s wrath. Grace sets us free.
Before quiting school and leaving my loved ones to fulfill this calling, I realize that following Jesus is more about a heart change than a career change. God could certainly call me to the mission field, but first God wants me to be a missionary right where I am. He has revealed that to me with the new job he has provided for me and the classes I will be taking both this summer and the next year. Right now he has called me to be a light to the people at my workplace, within my spheres of influence at school, and with my family.
Like I once was, many Christians are oblivious to their most significant mission field. Just before Jesus departed the earth, he outlined his strategic plan for world impact to his disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Jesus made it clear that his plan included the entire planet. But note that the retaking of the planet began with the people in closest proximity to his followers—Jerusalem, where they already spoke the language, knew the customs, and were known by their fellow Jews. The impact of faith on their daily lives was clearly visible to the people with whom they lived and worked.
You don’t have to become a pastor or a missionary to work full-time for Christ. God’s work is going on right where you are. Where is your Jerusalem, and who are the people God has called you to influence? Ask God to show you opportunities that you’ve never seen before.
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