“It was the sensitivity I developed while working in the ushering department of the Church that became my advantage out there in the market place. I knew what business deal to venture into and the ones to avoid through sensitivity.” This was the testimony of an usher in a local Church. To him, the activities that took place in Church were usable out there in the world.
Friend, you are the light of the world, not the light of the Church (Matthew 5:13-16). The Church is the place where we go to be lighted by God via His word, the world out there is where we are supposed to shine the light. Truly, what happens to you in Church on Sunday must impact what you do in the world on Monday. A good Church is not one that only prepares you to make heaven, it is one that prepares you for relevance on earth; you are heaven bound and earthy relevant.
A lot of people only see Church as an end in itself, not a means to an end. They see Church as a place to go as a religious obligation, not a place of empowerment for relevance in the world. You need to deploy the stuff you learn in Church to your practical everyday life as you bring glory to God. Most of the people we celebrate in the Bible were relevant in the world; they superimposed the Kingdom life and lessons on their experiences in the world.
Daniel was an administrator and a government official. He displayed the wisdom and excellence of God in the successive administrations he worked with (Daniel 6:3, 28). Deborah was not only a prophetess, she was also a judge (Judges 4:4). I believe her prophetic edge was brought to bear on her secular engagement. Luke was a medical doctor who wrote the books of Luke and Acts (Luke 1:1, Acts 1:1, Colossians 4:14). He brought the Kingdom life to bear on his medical practice.
You must have heard of Zenas the lawyer who was a major part of Paul’s ministry (Titus 3:13). What about Aquila and Priscilla? That couple were civil or building engineers; they were relevant to the program of God (Acts 18:26, Romans 16:3). They leveraged the grace of God for relevance in their work place, and their work as a platform to advance the purpose of God in their days. Joseph carried a prophetic destiny but he leveraged it for relevance in the world of governance and economy (Genesis 41:38-46).
Our calling is sacred but our platforms, most times, would be secular. A 21st century Christian is one who has learnt to fulfil his sacred calling in a secular setting. He has learnt to take the operations of the gifts of the Spirit beyond just Church services (1 Corinthians 12:7). He walks in discernment in business decisions. As a senator, he sponsors bills with prophetic insight into divine plans and purposes. He uses the gifts of wisdom and knowledge to formulate economic polices and solve economic problems. Go and do likewise! You will succeed!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria