Thirty-nine years a pastor, and I have changed my mind about who makes the difference

I kind of feel sorry for people who have to go to work and do things that have no eternal significance.

What he used to tell his sons

What changed

Over the years, however, I've changed my perspective. Here's what I mean. One doesn't have to be a pastor, missionary, or in some kind of full time Christian service in order to make a difference for eternity. You can be a plumber, sales person, business owner, or whatever and make a difference in people's lives in ways that have eternal implications.

Don't get me wrong, being a Pastor is great and certainly positions one to have an enormous amount of influence in people's lives as we are given the privilege to teach, counsel, and guide people in matters of spiritual significance.

But honestly, people who are out in the market place on a daily basis have an equally enormous opportunity to represent Jesus and influence by living according to Christian principles that some in full time Christian ministry may never have.

Actually when it comes to representing Jesus, who is more effective: a paid salesman, pastors, or satisfied customers?

The thing that shifted it

Now back to my opening statement about loving ministry and not seeing myself doing anything else. Just recently, about 2 years ago, I had the opportunity of becoming certified as an Independent Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with the John Maxwell Team.

Since then, it has opened up a whole new world for me as I've had the opportunity of working with business men and women in practically every field from sales to service, from entrepreneurs to long-time employees, teaching and training others in leadership. Some are a part of the church I pastor but many aren't. So now, by God's grace, He has expanded my influence in ways it wouldn't have been felt if only focused on a local ministry.

So what's the point

Simply this: you can make a difference for God's Kingdom and for His purposes whoever you are and whatever you do.

Is God calling you to full time Christian ministry? Then by all means answer the call. Is God calling you to be salt and light at your place of business? Then by all means, represent Him well. Is God calling you to excel at your business so you can help fund His purposes on this earth? Then by all means make as much as you can and give as much as you can.

I don't see a distinction in God's Word between spiritual and non-spiritual work. In fact, I believe God calls us to make a difference wherever He has planted us and through whatever He has gifted us to do. This world is only temporary and the short amount of time we have here needs to be used for His purposes.

Four questions

So, to make this real practical, here are some questions to ask yourself as a businessman or woman in the marketplace to help assess your effectiveness for the Kingdom.

How well do your attitudes and actions represent Jesus? What are the people you work with learning about your Heavenly Father through your actions? What do your work habits communicate about your values as a follower of Jesus? What steps could you take so Christ's character becomes more evident in your life?

Now, just for the record, I don't see myself leaving full-time pastoral ministry anytime soon. But if I did, I know my influence for Him could be just as great, because the reality is, it is not what you do, but who you are that matters.

It is not what you do, but who you are that matters.

Dr. George Powell

So be an attractive marketplace minister for Jesus wherever He has placed you and through whatever He has called you to do.