Thrive in College & Career (10)

Many people are afraid of changes, so was I. I felt settled when getting the first job after graduation from college. However, the arrival of a little princess in my life made me see God’s grace, “pause” in career and reflect upon paths moving forward. Just like a little baby learns something new every day, do we still keep growing even when we are not a child anymore? We say we are vessels with different skills and talents for God, but what can we do to be a shining vessel for Him? Book of Nehemiah gives us some clues.

It just happens that I am a civil engineer whose job is all about building and maintaining infrastructures. So, when I first read the book of Nehemiah, I said to myself, “yeah, wall repairs, maintenance is important.” But as I read the story more carefully, I started to see more messages from the book — Finest craftsmen were chosen to do the good work. How can we become the finest workers for God? We must have strong belief in God first, then build our skills, and then keep on learning to bring up the best version of us before Him. When the work is at hand, are we worthy of and prepared for doing God’s work? Yes, God looks at our hearts, but our skills and expertise also play an important role in serving God.

“Moreover, there are workmen with you in abundance: woodsmen and stonecutters, and all types of skillful men for every kind of work.” (1 Chronicles 22:15)

Another thing about these craftsmen is that they are responsible for their own work. They work as a team, but each takes responsibility on his part. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:4-5) We are responsible for ourselves as an individual and as a part of a group. Otherwise, we become a burden to other people, which is opposite of what the Bible teaches us — none of self and all of Thee. If we all do our parts diligently and responsibly, together we can serve God better.

Besides these craftsmen, what about Nehemiah? Nehemiah was one of the finest workers for rebuilding the wall too. He wanted to rebuild the wall to provide a safe and holy environment for the people to worship God. He was king’s cupbearer before he led the work, and he was skilled and competent to switch from cupbearer to a leader. Of course, God is our ultimate helper, however we need to do our part too. Along the way of collecting skills for our career, we also need to build our competency that is portable in whichever area we are focusing on. The skills and competency developed at work can also be used in our families and church, and vice versa. We can serve God better by doing a better job.

Then I start to think, does the place we live also stimulate the growth in our career? Is our home environment encouraging us to be curious and learn about career, about God, and about anything? These questions are more relevant after the pandemic. Now working from home can be an option, but is the home good for the work, more importantly, for the people at work? The impact of environment is so subtle yet so substantial.

Let us be skilled, competent, and be responsible for ourselves, others, and God. May God help us root in environment where we can grow personally, professionally and spiritually. Come to our church to worship and be a shining vessel for God! Save the date for our upcoming Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation.

September 26-29, 2024

Thursday, September 26,2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 27-28, September 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.

Our church’s address is as follows:

True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org