About Your Career

by N/A | Category: N/a | Jul 1951

Planning a career is a cause of great concern to many young disciples these days. It is not easy to give advice about the matter because cases vary so greatly, so I shall have to keep on broad lines. I will confine myself to two important points; the need for (1)exercise in prayer for divine guidance, and (2)care lest the pursuit of a career endangers your spiritual life.

No young disciple should choose a career which is out of keeping with his Christian profession. I will not cite examples here, but I am sure on reflection you will agree that certain occupations are undesirable for Christians to engage in. Prayer for divine guidance is most necessary because your choice may affect the whole trend of your life. In these uncertain days when it seems almost impossible to see ahead you will be kept in peace if you observe the Psalmist's words:

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37.5).

The way the Lord leads you may be very different from your own plans, but you will discern the reason eventually.

The temptation to make your earthly career the chief pursuit of your life is a very real danger. The ambition to get on in the world at all costs has been the cause of many shipwrecks. In my short experience I have seen some sad cases of young disciples gradually consumed with the ambition to "get on." Some have succeeded in terms of material prosperity, but they have made shipwreck of their spiritual careers. What a terrible price to pay The Psalmist's words aptly describe some cases I have known "And He gave them their request; But sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106.15).

I know that in your youth it is most necessary for you to give much time and thought to planning your earthly career. As you do so keep prominently before you the Lord's words, " Be not therefore anxious .... but seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6.31, 33).

N/A | Jul 1951
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