Thrive in College & Career (13)

In our career, no matter which job we take, we usually start off being a successor. And then it comes the time when we become a predecessor. What can we do to be a better successor or a predecessor? We can learn from some bible characters.  

Jesus and His disciples

Jesus picked His disciples, not based on qualifications but based on their hearts. I am not saying for our career the qualifications are not important, but something is bigger than the qualification. That is the heart of purity, integrity and humility.

“So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.” (Psalm 78: 72)

And the disciples followed Jesus not because they will get honor and glory in this world, but because it was the right thing to do, to continue to spread the gospel to the world. So for successors, the reason why we accept the baton should not be how much we will get paid or how much recognition we will receive. Instead, we accept the baton because we are making a difference to the world, in the Lord.

Paul and Timothy

When Paul was training Timothy, he told Timothy to hold fast the pattern of sound words in faith and love (2 Timothy 1:13). That means we need to have godly standards in what we do, for faith, life, career and any other aspects. We may be challenged when we are faithful to godly standards, but if we are “approved to God”, we will be blessed at the end.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Paul, as a predecessor, did not hold back on training Timothy, and Timothy, as a successor, had “carefully followed my (Paul’s) doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions…”(2 Timothy 3:10). We need to mimic them too in our career to pass or accept the baton.

If we are a successor, we can learn from disciples and Timothy to do the right thing in the Lord with purity, integrity, and humility. If we are going to be a predecessor, we can learn from Jesus and Paul to train the people after us whole heartedly in faith and love. For succession, we all can contribute.

Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming. 

Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50 PM to 8:10 PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00 AM to 8:10 PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.

Please find our church location below:

4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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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