Does the Bible say anything about vocations and whether one job is more important than another?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I am a certified electrician. Does the Bible say anything about vocations and whether one job is more important than another? My friends tell me that working at a church is the most important work we can do; yet when people’s electricity fails them, electricians seem to be in great demand! – L.W.
A: The Bible speaks approvingly of a man by the name of Bezalel. He worked with metals, stone, and wood. He was filled with the Holy Spirit for craftsmanship: “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3–5, NKJV).
Jacob and his sons were shepherds, Joseph a prime minister, Daniel a statesman. Both Joseph and Jesus were carpenters, and many disciples were fishermen. Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila were tentmakers; and Luke, the beloved physician.
The Christian ideal certainly doesn’t demand that a person renounce all interest in the affairs of this life, but rather that we seek God’s guidance in performing our daily work to the best of our ability; that we keep both our work and our ambitions in subordination to the Lord at all times. Christ offers help in our daily living here on Earth and inspires us in our gifts and helps us in our work.
In one of his delightful essays, F.W. Boreham, quoting Isaiah, goes on to recount how the carpenter of Nazareth has encouraged the goldsmiths of the ages. The world’s greatest writers have been inspired by Jesus of Nazareth; the greatest artists, musicians, and sculptors have also been illumined by Him. It is in our daily tasks and in the way we face difficulties that the world will see Christ in us.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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