A Christian who wants to succeed in their career must do this:
- Acknowledge and starve their fears.
What are the Career Fears which abiding Christian men and woman often harbor? This post describes three common career fears. If you see them in your work life, strive to effectually and continually starve them!
Common Career Fears of Christians
NETWORKING
Being connected and networking is important for ALL workers, whether gainfully employed or temporarily jobless. Some shun doing any networking.
- Even if you’re shy by nature, to be truly victorious you need to get out of your comfort zone – and connect with others.
- Naturally outgoing and extroverted? Be sure you listen as much as you talk when networking.
- In short, your connections can be a BRIDGE to advancing your career, getting a promotion, or getting a new job.
- Tips:
- Build the bridges BEFORE you need to cross the water. If you are working now, and God forbid lost your job next month, surely having established contacts would make it easier for you get another job.
- Understand that being well connected is as much about who knows you as who you know.
FALLING/DEFEAT
Falling is part of winning. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Quite simply, some fear falling and not being able to get back up. This fall-avoidance fear drives fall-fearers to aim low (not high) to avoid ever falling in the first place.
- This thinking WILL stymie your career and make victories rare & small. We fall down, but we get back up again.
- Risks and Rewards are the bookends of a successful career journey. Calculated risks are part of a truly rewarding work life. Foolish risks, however, should always be avoided.
- Playing ‘small’ will rarely lead to large victories.
YOUR STEADFAST FAITH WILL NOT BE ENOUGH
Replace your career worries with constructive career concerns. Have faith and trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Reflect carefully on the following 2 scriptures from the Bible:.
- Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NRS)
- But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today”. Matthew 6: 33 – 34 (NRS)
To put it simply, be an Overcomer. Acknowledge a fear and move to starve, not feed, it! If you starve your career fears today, you’ll be positioned to be a Christian Career Champion tomorrow. Be an Overcomer, not a Fear Feeder. Those who never network, aim low, and generally ‘walk by sight’ are destined for a mediocre career. Let the pursuit of excellance, not fear-fueled mediocrity, guide your Career Journey!
Which of these three fears have you conquered fully in your career already? Grace, mercy, and peace to you.
Greg Silverthorne
Photo credit: iStock
66 Assurance Way 