Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24, NASB)
The term “bi-vocational” was recently used to describe my work in ministry and the marketplace. It was a new term to me, and I curiously searched the internet to learn more about this description.
My wife, Kristin, and I have been called to use our business as ministry, and we now understand that the term “bi-vocational” has long been used in the ministerial world.
Many golf pros began their careers with a “side gig” to support their golfing career. Asian tour player Barry Henson made the news last year when he stamped his ticket on July 5 by shooting 66 at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, New Jersey, to qualify for the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club. At 43 years of age, his vocation outside of golf is driving for Uber.
Rich Beem, best known for topping Tiger Woods at the 2002 PGA Championship, didn’t always cash big checks on the golf course. That win came several years after Beem made $7 per hour selling cell phones and car stereos.
When Beem won his lone major at Hazeltine, he still carried his former ID card from that job. “I don’t want to ever forget where I came from,” he said. “The jobs I’ve had served their purpose. They got me here. I never want to forget about hustling around trying to earn a $5 spiff on a $1 cell phone.”
Colossians 3 defines our earthly work by defining who we are in Christ. Christians are called to set our minds on things above – eternal things.
Our time on earth is short. We have died to ourselves and live for Christ, and ultimately, we work for Christ instead of for people. This should radically shift our view of employment and why we work.
If Christ is our boss and our primary work is for eternal purposes, then our missional work spans our lifetime but is not necessarily tied to any particular job. Our job becomes primarily a platform for ministry while supplying our financial needs in the process.
Consider the author of Colossians, Paul, a tentmaker by trade but was known for his ministry. His tent-making profession was simply a means to an end to cover his finances and allow him to carry out his greater calling without being a financial burden to others. Tent-making was a job but not Paul’s ultimate “work.”
If you are thinking about retiring from your current job, consider Links Players as part of your plan for a new vocation in ministry and the work God called you to do.
The key is to stay mentally and physically active and serve in the manner that God calls you to. You may need to slow down at some point, but don’t give in to a life of self-seeking leisure. Work in all forms has important benefits, and God wants His people to make the most of their days until He calls them home.
Prayer: Thank you for the gift of work that you have uniquely designed each of us to do. Keep us focused and mindful of our purpose, and guide us to follow your calling. Please call leaders who are willing to work for you in Links Players.