I have spent most of my adult life working minimum wage jobs that I have hated. I’ve experienced little-to-no career satisfaction, which is something I’ve had to bring before God and wrestle with.
I want to share 5 truths that have helped me endure my circumstance in the hope that they can help you glorify God in a job that you hate.
This Is Gracious In The Sight Of God
You have a wicked employer who bullies, belittles and disrespects you. So have many other Christians throughout time (1 Peter 2:18-19).
Christ has left you an example of longsuffering (1 Peter 2:20-23). Commit your days into the hands of God and use such opportunities to love your enemies. By your good deeds and patience, you demonstrate your confidence and salvation (Philippians 1:28-30). This behaviour is a very gracious and glorious thing in the sight of God.
Not Unusual
It should comfort you to know that you are not alone in your struggles. Many of your Christian brothers and sisters around the world are in the exact predicament as you find yourself today: Battling discontentment with what they do for the majority of their day.
Know that God owns all businesses, enterprises, corporations, properties and dominions. God is in control of your circumstances. Know that your battle is not merely physical but spiritual.
Resist the temptation to become embittered (Hebrews 13:5-6), knowing that the devil seeks to kill and destroy. Know that your brothers and sisters in Christ are likewise awaiting the glorious revelation of Jesus the Christ and the restoration of all things. See 1 Peter 4:12-16
Better To Suffer For Doing Good
So you suffer at work whether from your boss, co-workers or customers. Read 1 Peter 3:13-17. Know that it is better to suffer for working a hard and honest job that you can do with a good conscience than to suffer for theft (which is the alternative if you don’t have a job). Likewise, it is better to suffer for doing good than it is to have pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
The Psalmist says:
“I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than dwell in tents of wickedness”. Psalm 84:10-11
It is better to be a slave and have an eternal inheritance than it is to be a ruler among temporary dwellings.
Many so-called “respectable” jobs in our society should not exist. They exist because of the love of money and a desire for pleasure and ease above truth and justice. Those who are comforted now will be in distress, and those who find themselves in distressing circumstances will be comforted (Luke 16:25). Never forget this.
His Grace is Sufficient
Paul the apostle had a thorn in his flesh. Was it a desire to have a thriving ministry among the Jews (Romans 10:1)? Or was it some kind of physical ailment related to his sight (Galatians 6:11)? Either way, Paul the apostle came to a realisation that God’s grace is sufficient and is perfectly displayed even in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
This means that your life is about demonstrating an attribute of God, His grace. This life is not about you. In fact, God intends for weakness to remain in your life so that He can claim all the more glory from your good conduct.
Your sufferings are not inconsequential, they are glorious and are storing up for you a treasure in the heavens that does not fade away.
Despise The Shame
Hating your life is a good thing. The Christian is not to love this world or the way it operates. The Christian is a citizen of a foreign land with a different government.
Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth. You might never work a job you enjoy in this life. In fact, your life could become even more challenging than it is already. Are you ok with this possibility? What will you give in exchange for eternal life? Will you give up a thriving and satisfying career if it meant following Christ?
Christ despised the shame of the cross as he looked to the glory of His Father. You likewise must pick up your cross and follow your Master’s example.
