Working with Purpose: Seeking God First in Career and Calling
A Matthew 6:33 New Year Series
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23
This article continues our New Year series rooted in Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Throughout this month, we are exploring how seeking God first shapes the most significant areas of daily life, helping us move beyond surface-level resolutions toward God-centered priorities that guide our decisions, habits, and growth throughout the year.
Work occupies a significant portion of our lives. It shapes our schedules, influences our identity, and often determines how we measure success. As a new year unfolds, many believers find themselves setting career goals—seeking growth, stability, or change—yet quietly wondering how faith fits into it all. Scripture does not separate spiritual life from working life. Instead, it invites us to seek God first in both.
The challenge for Christians today is not whether to work hard, but how to work faithfully without allowing ambition, pressure, or identity to eclipse our devotion to God.
Work was God’s Idea Before It Became a burden.
From the beginning, work was part of God’s design. Before sin entered the world, Adam was given responsibility and purpose in the garden. Work was meant to be meaningful, not exhausting; purposeful, not punishing. Over time, however, work became tangled with striving, comparison, and self-worth.
Scripture reminds us that labor is not merely a means of survival but a form of stewardship. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty” (Proverbs 21:5, NKJV), yet diligence must be guided by wisdom. When work becomes the source of identity or security, it silently replaces trust in God.
Seeking God First in Career Decisions
To seek God first in our work means inviting Him into decisions before outcomes are determined. Many career choices are made solely on the basis of opportunity, income, or advancement. Scripture offers a different approach: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV).
Seeking God first involves prayerful discernment. It asks questions such as:
Does this align with the values God is shaping in me?
Will this draw me closer to Him or slowly pull my heart away?
Am I trusting God’s direction or rushing ahead in my own strength?
This posture does not guarantee an easy path, but it anchors our steps in obedience rather than anxiety.
Calling Is More Than a Title or Position
The Bible presents calling not primarily as what we do, but how and why we do it. Paul instructs believers, “Let each one remain in the calling in which he was called” (1 Corinthians 7:20, NKJV), emphasizing faithfulness over status.
Calling is less about position and more about posture—serving God wherever He has placed us. Whether in a visible role or unseen labor, work becomes sacred when offered to God. When calling is understood this way, career goals shift from self-promotion to faithful impact.
Setting God-Honoring Career Goals
Once God holds first place, career goals can be shaped with clarity and peace. Seeking God first does not mean avoiding ambition; it means submitting ambition to God. Scripture encourages excellence: “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29, NKJV). Excellence honors God when it flows from humility and obedience.
God-honoring career goals might include:
Growing in integrity and consistency, even when unnoticed
Developing skills to serve others more effectively
Maintaining spiritual disciplines despite demanding schedules
Establishing boundaries that protect rest, family, and faith
These goals focus less on speed and recognition and more on stewardship and faithfulness.
Working Unto the Lord, Not for Approval
Colossians 3:23 reframes work entirely: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Written to believers navigating daily responsibilities, this instruction removes people from the center of approval and places God there instead.
When work is offered to God, frustration lessens, and purpose deepens. Even in imperfect circumstances, there are opportunities for witness and growth. Seeking God first allows believers to work with peace—knowing that promotion, provision, and progress are ultimately in His hands.
Trusting God with Progress and Outcomes
Psalm 127:1 offers a sobering reminder: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” This verse does not discourage effort; it places effort in its proper place. When God directs the work, labor carries lasting fruit.
As the year unfolds, some doors may open quickly, while others remain closed. Seeking God first means trusting Him with both. Success is no longer measured solely by advancement, but by faithfulness.
An Invitation to Reflect
As you consider your work and career goals this year, pause and invite God into the process. Ask Him to shape not only your plans, but your purpose. Commit now to seeking Him first in every career decision, letting your work become an act of worship rooted in God’s guidance.
If you are looking for continued encouragement and practical wisdom to help you align faith with your daily work, consider subscribing to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com. Join a community focused on spiritual growth, insightful guidance, and real strategies for living with purpose. Take your next step—subscribe today and be equipped to excel in both your career and faith journey.
Few books have shaped modern Christian thinking about purpose as profoundly as The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Written as a 40-day spiritual journey, this book gently but firmly reorients the reader away from self-centered living and toward God-centered purpose. Warren reminds us that life is not about personal achievement, success, or recognition—but about knowing God and living for His glory.
That message beautifully echoes the heart of our series on seeking God first, especially in the area of work and calling. Just as the article emphasizes that work becomes meaningful when offered unto the Lord, The Purpose Driven Life teaches that fulfillment flows from alignment with God’s design, not from titles or outcomes. Each chapter invites reflection, Scripture engagement, and honest evaluation, making the book both practical and deeply spiritual.
I want to recommend this book again this month because it’s especially relevant to this series. I’ve read it many times, recommended it to friends, and truly believe it remains as timely and transformative as ever. If you’re seeking clarity, direction, and renewed purpose in your faith journey, this book is well worth revisiting.
Consider purchasing The Purpose Driven Life and continuing your growth by subscribing to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com—where faith and everyday life meet with purpose.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, surrendering our work, our plans, and our ambitions into Your loving hands. Teach us to seek You first in every decision, to trust Your direction above our own understanding, and to honor You in all that we do. Where our hearts have chased approval, success, or security apart from You, gently realign our desires with Your will and purposes. Draw us closer to You each day, Lord, that our lives—and our work—may become true acts of worship that deepen our relationship with You.