In the game of hockey, there’s a term called “power play” and this is used to signify a time in the game where there’s a numerical advantage, that is, a time when one team has more numbers than the other due to a penalty and this makes it easier for them to concede goals against their opponents. When it comes to competition, as much as quality is important, quantity also makes a difference.

Every aspect of your life as a believer matters and is important, including your career. Some people make the mistake of thinking that as long as their walk with God is good, nothing else matters; and yes, it is crucial and paramount for your relationship with God to be as it ought to be, but walking with God does not eliminate every other part of your life. God is interested in every part of your life, and not just that, He expects that we are excellent in all we do. We serve an excellent God, a God that all He does and all He creates is good. As His child, this is an identity you are to take on as well, knowing that you are His ambassador and that all you do is in service to Him.

Colossians 3:23

New Living Translation

23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

We are placed in this world as light!

‭‭Matthew 5:14-15

New Living Translation

14 You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.

15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

Light is not to be hidden, it is not to be placed under a basket. Light is not mediocre. It shines! Wherever light appears, it makes an impact, it changes the environment, it dispels darkness, and it is obvious that it is different. You are light! So you should not be hidden. You should not be mediocre. You are to shine in every place, at every time and this most definitely includes in your career.

Even though we can have spiritual advancement and growth in this natural world, physical advancement and growth is very important. Yes there is a spiritual world that can super impose itself on the natural. However, it does not change the fact that there are natural laws and rules that govern us. And a good grasp and mastery of such laws and rules can do a great deal for the kingdom. Excellence and mastering your given field can open great doors for the gospel. Take Daniel for instance.

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬

New King James V‬‬ersion

3 Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king’s descendants and some of the nobles,

4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.

The king was looking for young boys of great wisdom, knowledge, and quick understanding. Among such ones was Daniel. Daniel’s natural capacities brought him near the king. Then look what happens

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭2‬:‭47‬ ‭

New King James V‬‬ersion

47 The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.”

After Daniel had interpreted his dream, the king himself had acknowledged that indeed the God of Daniel is the God of gods! Meaning that King Nebuchadnezzar was introduced to the true God through Daniel and this was made possible because of Daniel’s ability to distinguish himself in natural capacities. It was his excellence that got him here in the first place.

Daniel‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬

New King James Version

3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.‬‬

Daniel was a man who had a vibrant walk with God but was also so excellent in his given field that the pagan king set him as leader over the whole realm. In this position of influence, he can represent God on a grand scale! More people can know about the true God this way.

Every part of the working industry has its level of importance and influence, from the political sector to the business sector and even the entertainment sector. The work that you do in these fields can expose more people to the truth of God’s word. Take Mary Slessor as an example, she used her work in teaching skills to women and also her bold personality to promote Christianity to the locals of Nigeria and eventually stop the killing of twins in Calabar. Your work has impact and influence!

Another important thing is position. In the game of chess, a pawn is less than a bishop or a knight however as it keeps ascending the board, it reaches a place where its status changes and it becomes a more important piece in the game. In the same way, you might begin as an intern or as just any other regular employer in a company today. But as you rise in position, your influence in that sphere changes. And excellence will get you there.

‭‭Proverbs 22:29

New King James Version

29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men

Look at several examples in the Bible. Before David became a king, he was taken to the palace as a harp player. Though Joseph was sold as a slave, he worked his way into Portiphar’s house and became an overseer of all his goods. Your work can put you in a position that helps you influence things and people.

It can be easy to stay and complain about the way things are done in a particular sector but it is much more productive to go in there and make a positive impact. In the entertainment industry, it is hard to see a movie that doesn’t have a scene promoting or supporting ungodly practices. It is hard to listen to a song without hearing obscene or derogatory words. In the fashion industry, every day the definition of modesty is being altered and redefined further lowering the standards. In politics, laws and policies are being made to accept things that are in direct opposition to Christian beliefs.

These are things you see happening every day and are not comfortable with but rather than sitting on your hands and watching, this is a call to rise and make a change. Keep getting better at what you do, build competence, keep moving up, keep ascending the ladder, and reach that point where you’re in the position to combat these changes. Become indispensable. Increase your value such that no one can ignore your input.

We have the numbers, we have the competence, and even more than these we have spiritual advantage in the Holy Ghost. Imagine a world where there are believers in every industry, making decisions, calling shots, and effecting change. Change that benefits both the society and the kingdom of God. Now don’t just imagine it, work towards it. Let this be your mentality, that in whatever you do, you work to influence the culture and not be influenced by it. In whatever you do, you work to attain a position of power and remember it is not for your gain or commendation but for the glory of God to be seen and known.

Prayer Point:

Lord help me to be excellent in my field, such that I gain influence for the sake of the kingdom. I move into positions of power for the advancement of your kingdom.